What is described as water released from snow or ice in liquid form?

What is described as water released from snow or ice in liquid form?

• A. Rainfall
• B. Snowmelt
• C. Condensation
• D. Runoff

Answer: (B)

The term that describes water released from snow or ice in liquid form is snowmelt. This process occurs when temperature rises above freezing, causing the solid state of water (snow or ice) to transition into its liquid state. Snowmelt is particularly important in hydrology as it contributes significantly to streamflow and water supply in many regions, especially in areas dependent on mountain snowpacks. Rainfall refers to water that falls from clouds in liquid form, while condensation is the process of water vapor turning into liquid, typically forming dew or droplets. Runoff is the water that flows over the ground surface, which can include melted snow as well as rainwater, but it does not specifically denote the phase change of snow or ice to liquid water. Snowmelt, therefore, accurately encapsulates the concept of liquid water resulting from the melting process of frozen water sources.

The term that describes water released from snow or ice in liquid form is snowmelt. This process occurs when temperature rises above freezing, causing the solid state of water (snow or ice) to transition into its liquid state. Snowmelt is particularly important in hydrology as it contributes significantly to streamflow and water supply in many regions, especially in areas dependent on mountain snowpacks.

Rainfall refers to water that falls from clouds in liquid form, while condensation is the process of water vapor turning into liquid, typically forming dew or droplets. Runoff is the water that flows over the ground surface, which can include melted snow as well as rainwater, but it does not specifically denote the phase change of snow or ice to liquid water. Snowmelt, therefore, accurately encapsulates the concept of liquid water resulting from the melting process of frozen water sources.