Arrange the following materials in decreasing order of their albedo:
(A) Pure, Fresh Snow (B) Pure, Old Snow (C) Ice (D) Desert (E) Savanna
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Explanation:
Albedo is the reflectivity of a surface, expressed as a fraction of the total incoming solar radiation reflected back. Higher albedo means greater reflectivity.
Let’s rank based on typical albedo values:
· (A) Pure, Fresh Snow: Albedo = 80–95%
· Highest reflectivity of all natural surfaces.
· (B) Pure, Old Snow: Albedo = 40–70%
· Reflectivity decreases as snow becomes older and contaminated.
· (C) Ice: Albedo = 30–40% (can vary based on clarity and impurities)
· (D) Desert: Albedo = 25–30%
· Light-colored sand reflects sunlight moderately well.
· (E) Savanna: Albedo = 10–20%
· Vegetated surfaces typically absorb more radiation.
Information Booster:
· Albedo effect plays a key role in climate regulation and global warming.
· Surfaces with low albedo absorb more heat, contributing to urban heat islands.
· Melting snow and ice reduce global albedo, amplifying warming in polar regions (positive feedback loop).
Additional Information:
· Other options mix the order incorrectly, for example putting ice or old snow before fresh snow.
· Only Option (4) correctly follows the descending reflectivity pattern.