Albedo - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Consider the following statements

1. Lighter colored surfaces have a greater albedo effect.
2. Mercury being close to sun has highest albedo.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
Mercury is covered in dark rocks and dust.


2)   Which of the following has highest albedo?

a. Deciduous forest
b. Desert
c. Fresh snow
d. Glacier ice
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Fresh snow

Explanation:
Fresh snow has the highest albedo. Immediately after a fresh snowfall, up the 90% of the solar radiation can be reflected off the snow.