The Albedo-Emissivity Paradox

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I would like to share with you a paradox I uncovered during my investigation into thermoelectrics ('IR spectroscopy'): the albedo-emissivity paradox. 

Snow's albedo is very high as it reflects light, while its emissivity is also very high (near 1, which implies it absorbs and emits IR radiation and does not reflect IR (thermal) radiation). Snow and ice are near-perfect black bodies.
But does snow really not reflect IR (heat)? In any other context, IR is thermal radiation and is related to heat and temperature. Snow absorbs this IR but does not reflect it? Can this be true? I don't think so. Black-painted or dyed snow will melt faster than white pure snow. 
No one has discussed this paradox.  Where have I - or scientists gone wrong? 

I have a possible answer to this, and the clew is aluminium and other shiny metals - all of which have low emissivities - next to 0. Different materials don't have such low emissivities: not water and not snow - they have high emissivities. 

Thermopiles and their mechanism thermoelectrics are the problem.
I will write up my theory as soon as I have time.

Blair


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