snowmelt

Definition

The liquid water resulting from the melting of snow, often referring to the seasonal runoff that feeds into regional water supplies.

Etymology

The word is a compound formed by combining the Old English 'snaw' (snow) and 'meltan' (to melt), describing the process of solid frozen precipitation turning into liquid water.

In the news

The article uses the term to highlight how warmer climate patterns are causing snow to melt earlier in the season, which disrupts the Okanagan region's water cycle.

Okanagan climate change results in drought, wildfires

Vernon Morning Star

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