SURFACE WATER Meaning and
Definition
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Surface water refers to any form of water that is naturally located on the Earth's surface, including bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. It encompasses all water that has not infiltrated the ground but remains exposed to the atmosphere.
Surface water is derived from various sources such as rainfall, snowmelt, or springs. It is an essential component of the hydrological cycle and plays a crucial role in supporting various ecosystems and human activities. It is easily distinguishable from groundwater, which is water that has percolated through the soil and is stored underground in aquifers.
Surface water holds significant importance for human utilization. It serves as a vital source for drinking water, irrigation, and industry, providing a means for transportation, energy production, and recreational activities. Moreover, many animal and plant species heavily rely on surface water for their survival and ecosystem functions.
However, surface water quality may be affected by natural and human-induced factors. Natural contamination can occur through geological processes and the dissolution of minerals, while human activities like agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization may introduce pollutants such as chemicals, nutrients, and sediments. Consequently, managing and protecting surface water resources are crucial to maintaining the wellbeing of both human and natural systems, ensuring sustainable water supplies and minimizing adverse environmental impacts.
Etymology of SURFACE WATER
The word "surface" comes from the Latin word "surdus", which means "deaf" or "deafness". It later evolved to "superficies" in Latin, referring to the outermost layer or the upper surface of something. In Old French, it became "surz face", meaning "over the face" or "above the face". Over time, the term "surface" came to be used to describe the top or outer layer of a body of water or land.
The word "water" traces back to the Old English word "wæter" or "wætur", which also exists in Old High German as "wazar" and in Old Norse as "vatn". These ancient Germanic roots likely have even earlier Proto-Indo-European origins. The word "water" evolved through various Germanic languages, eventually becoming the term used in modern English to refer to the liquid substance.
