Greenland’s snowy surface getting darker over past 2 decades: Scientists
Q. What is the scientific term for surface reflectivity?- Published on 07 Mar 16a. Albedo
b. Albino
c. Placebo
d. Surface Reflection
ANSWER: Albedo
Scientists have found that Greenland’s snowy surface has darkened over the past 2 decades, absorbing more heat from both the sun and rising snow melt. Study shows results are likely to persist with surface reflectivity/albedo lowering by as much as 10 percent towards the close of the century. Soot blowing from wildfires has been adding to the problem. Feedback loops created by melting itself have a profound effect on the snow covered surface as well. The darkening of the snowy surface has international implications as fresh melt water pouring into the ocean from Greenland raises the level of the sea and affects ocean ecology and circulation. This does not translate into a dirtier snowpack to darken it further. Snowpacks that look clean to the eyes can be more effective in absorbing solar radiation than a dirty one. What matters overall is the total amount of solar energy absorbed and this is the real cause behind the melting.
