Albedo is a measure of the reflectivity of a surface, specifically the proportion of incoming solar radiation that is reflected back into the atmosphere. It is often expressed as a percentage, with higher albedo values indicating a higher level of reflectivity. Albedo plays a crucial role in climate and weather systems, as surfaces with higher albedo can potentially cool the Earth by reflecting more sunlight, while surfaces with lower albedo can absorb more sunlight and contribute to warming. Researchers study albedo to better understand its effects on the Earth's energy balance, climate, and environment. This includes studying the albedo of different surfaces (such as snow, ice, water, and vegetation), how albedo is changing due to factors like land use changes and climate change, and how changes in albedo can impact global temperatures and weather patterns.