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surficial

American  
[ser-fish-uhl] / sərˈfɪʃ əl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to a surface, especially the land surface.

    a surficial geologic deposit.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of surficial

1890–95; blend of surface and superficial


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Deep and intense weathering of soils and mineral deposits exposed at the surface can result in the formation of surficial deposits.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2017

Groundwater slowly moves through the rock and surficial materials.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

While segregation of materials is characteristic of the surficial products of weathering, the opposite tendency, of mixing and aggregation, is the rule under dynamic metamorphism, notwithstanding the minor segregation above noted.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by C. K. (Charles Kenneth) Leith

Mineral deposits of the "igneous after-effect" type may be profoundly altered through surficial agencies.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by C. K. (Charles Kenneth) Leith

The zinc oxide minerals in the surficial zone also are sometimes colored yellow by small amounts of greenockite.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by C. K. (Charles Kenneth) Leith

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