Which one the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to other three ?

Fresh snow is the most reflective natural surface on Earth. Its albedo, the fraction of incoming solar radiation sent back, is typically about 0.8 to 0.9, so most sunlight falling on it returns to space. Freshly fallen snow has many tiny ice crystals with air gaps that scatter light strongly in all directions.

Why the others are weaker:

• Sand desert (A): Albedo roughly 0.3 to 0.4. Bright, but mineral particles and rock fragments absorb a large share of sunlight.
• Paddy crop land (B): Albedo around 0.2. Water-logged fields and green vegetation absorb most incident radiation.
• Prairie land (D): Grassland with albedo around 0.2. Vegetation and darker soil absorb heavily.

Core concept: albedo and the surface energy balance. High-albedo surfaces like polar ice and snow cool the planet, while low-albedo forests and croplands absorb heat. This links to the Mains theme of ice-albedo feedback, where melting snow exposes darker ground and accelerates warming.

Trap: Aspirants pick the sand desert because it looks pale and bright. Compare albedo values, not appearance; fresh snow reflects far more.