meltwater

Everyday

Meltwater is water that comes from melting snow or ice, especially from glaciers and ice sheets. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science lessons, meltwater feeds rivers in spring, carves valleys, and forms lakes at the edges of glaciers. With climate change, more meltwater from Greenland and Antarctica adds to rising sea levels. In safety, meltwater can cause sudden floods. Common phrases: «glacial meltwater», «spring meltwater», «meltwater streams», «meltwater lake».

Examples

• Meltwater from the glacier made a milky blue lake. tree →
• In spring, meltwater fills the mountain rivers. tree →
• Meltwater from ice sheets is raising sea levels. tree →
• The meltwater stream was freezing cold. tree →
• Floods can happen when meltwater rushes down the valley. tree →
• Scientists measure meltwater on the Greenland ice sheet. tree →

Note

Uncountable. A compound of «melt» + «water», written as one word.