【正确答案】 E

【答案解析】Idiom; Parallelism
When contrast follows in, contrast functions as a noun; the appropriate preposition to use after contrast when it functions as a noun is to; with is the preferred preposition to use after contrast only when contrast functions as a verb. Thus, the sentence's use of in contrast with is incorrect. Also, the logical contrast would be between a dark surface and a large expanse of snow and ice, not between both a dark surface and its tendency toward heat absorption and a large expanse of snow.
A In contrast with is not idiomatic; the correct preposition to use when contrast functions as a noun is to. Also, the logical contrast to make would be between a dark surface and a large expanse of snow and ice, not between both a dark surface and its tendency toward heat absorption and a large expanse of snow.
B The appropriate contrast is between a dark surface and a large expanse of snow and ice, not, as it is here, between a dark surface's tendency to absorb heat and a large expanse of snow and ice.
C Because of its use of since, this version illogically states that the reason a large expanse of snow and ice reflects incoming radiation into space is that it is in contrast to a dark surface and its tendency to absorb heat.
D The preferred preposition to use with contrasted (and with contrast whenever it is used as a verb rather than as a noun) is with, not to, which is used here. Also, a large expanse of snow and ice is illogically contrasted with the tendency of a dark surface to absorb heat.
E Correct. In contrast to is the correct idiom; a large expanse of snow and ice is logically contrasted with a dark surface.
The correct answer is E.