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We measured the albedos of various asphalt concrete pavements. The most recently paved surfaces have an albedo of about 0.04, because the asphalt (bitumin) coats the aggregate. (A typical asphalt concrete pavement is about 85% by volume of mineral aggregate and 15% asphalt.) Within 5 years the albedos increase to a mean value of 0.12 because the asphalt wears away, revealing some of the aggregate. |