In meteorology, what is the meaning of the term "Albedo"?

Albedo refers specifically to the reflectivity of a surface, particularly how much sunlight is reflected rather than absorbed. It is expressed as a ratio or percentage, indicating the amount of incoming solar radiation that is bounced back into the atmosphere. Surfaces with a high albedo, such as ice or snow, reflect a significant portion of sunlight, whereas darker surfaces like forests or oceans have a low albedo and absorb more solar energy. Understanding albedo is crucial in meteorology because it impacts temperature, climate patterns, and energy balance within the Earth's atmosphere. This concept is particularly relevant when analyzing different surfaces, their contributions to heat retention, and their overall effects on local and global climates.