meltwater

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "meltwater" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to water which is formed from melting snow or ice, such as in a glacier or in the snowpack of a mountain. For example, "The rivers are full of meltwater from the mountain's snowpack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the mountains the snowpack thins, meltwater now brown reluctant drops.

The Guardian

Unfortunately for the 1m people who live around the lake's shore, the conclusion of this research is that something similar could easily happen again.The tsunami of 563 started at the opposite end of the lake from Geneva, at the point where it is fed by glacial meltwater carried into it by the Rhône.

The Economist

In particular, his calculations suggest, the firn of the Wilkins, Larsen C, George VI and Cosgrove shelves in west Antarctica will be saturated with meltwater by the end of the century—a finding which echoes that of a study led by Jan van Angelen, also of Utrecht University, that was published last year in Geophysical Research Letters.

The Economist

The summer of acid rain Reprints Related items Climate change and forests: So hard to see the wood for the treesDec 19th 2007 Sources and acknowledgmentsDec 19th 2007 Global warming: Some like it coolDec 19th 2007 Climate: Sunny side upMay 5th 2005"The flood of fire", Steingrimsson writes, "flowed with the speed of a great river swollen with meltwater on a spring day".

The Economist

No one quite knows why glaciers and ice shelves are melting so fast, or how a meltwater lake on the Greenland ice sheet covering six square kilometres could drain away in 24 hours, as it did in 2006.

The Economist

This means it can absorb meltwater in the way a sponge does.

The Economist

Whether a sheet is growing or shrinking depends on whether it picks up more snow in the winter than it loses to calving icebergs and meltwater in the summer.

The Economist

But melting glaciers willA wilder fear is that a deluge of Arctic meltwater could disrupt the mighty "overturning circulation" of the global oceans, the exchange of warm tropical and cold polar water.

The Economist

Niche habitats, such as meltwater pools on multi-year ice, are dwindling.

The Economist

First-year ice, in contrast, is unscarred by time.When multi-year ice thaws, the meltwater gathers on its surface, forming ponds between the ridges.

The Economist

At a meeting held at his university last month he outlined ideas he has been developing which might slow that process down, either by pumping the meltwater out, or by refreezing it in situ using liquid nitrogen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental impacts, clearly specify the source of the "meltwater" (e.g., glaciers, ice sheets, snowpack) to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "meltwater" without specifying its origin, especially in scientific contexts. For example, instead of saying "Meltwater is affecting sea levels", specify "Meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet is affecting sea levels" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "meltwater" is as a noun, typically used to describe water resulting from the melting of ice or snow. Ludwig's examples show it functioning as the subject or object of sentences, often in environmental or geographical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "meltwater" correctly and commonly refers to water derived from melting ice or snow. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Grammatically functioning as a noun, "meltwater" frequently appears in discussions about climate change, glacial activity, and hydrology. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the source of the "meltwater", such as glaciers or snowpacks. Alternatives include "glacial runoff" and "snowmelt", offering more specific descriptions when needed. Given its high frequency and relevance, mastering the use of "meltwater" is valuable for effective communication in environmental and geographical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glacial runoff

Focuses specifically on runoff from glaciers.

snowmelt runoff

Emphasizes the runoff originating from melting snow.

ice melt

A more general term referring to the process of ice melting.

glacial melt

Specifically refers to the melting of glaciers.

thawing water

Highlights the state of water as it thaws.

ice water discharge

Describes the release of water from melting ice.

snowmelt stream

Specifies that the meltwater forms a stream.

glacial stream

A stream fed by melting glaciers.

spring thaw

Refers to the thaw specifically during spring.

ice ablation

Focuses on the reduction in ice mass due to melting.

FAQs

How does "meltwater" affect sea levels?

"Meltwater" from glaciers and ice sheets contributes to rising sea levels as it flows into the oceans. This is a significant concern in the context of climate change.

What are the primary sources of "meltwater"?

The main sources are melting glaciers, ice caps, and seasonal snowpacks. Each contributes differently to water resources and sea-level rise.

What can I say instead of "meltwater"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "glacial runoff", "snowmelt", or "ice melt". These terms offer more specific descriptions of the water source.

How does climate change impact "meltwater" production?

Climate change accelerates the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, leading to increased "meltwater" production. This has implications for water resources, sea levels, and ecosystem stability.