Water Science School
Surface Water
The world's surface-water resources—the water in rivers, lakes, and ice and snow—are vitally important to the everyday life of not only people, but to all life on, in, and above the Earth. And, of course, surface water is an intricate part of the water cycle, on which all life depends.
All Surface Water Science Topics
View a list of all of our science topics about surface water.
Learn moreSurface Water and the Water Cycle
The various forms of surface water are integrals parts of the natural water cycle.
ExploreBrowse Surface Water science related to:
Surface Water Information by Topic
Surface water is the most recognizable part of the water cycle that we can see. Lakes and rivers may be the first types of surface water that come to mind but don't forget those snowbanks in your front yard! We think of oceans when we think of surface water but did you remember to add glaciers to your list? The Water Science School has plenty to teach you about the different types of surface...
Streamflow and the Water Cycle
What is streamflow? How do streams get their water? To learn about streamflow and its role in the water cycle, continue reading.
Note: This section of the Water Science School discusses the Earth's "natural" water cycle without human interference.
Water Science Photo Galleries
Learn about water using pictures
The Water Science School -- What We Offer
The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Science School
Where anyone of any age can learn all about water.
La Ciencia del Agua para Escuelas
La Ciencia del Agua para Escuelas
Surface Water Questions & Answers
Our planet is covered in water. We see it in our oceans and on land we see it in our lakes and rivers. The vast amount of water on the Earth's surface is in the oceans, and only a relatively small amount exists as fresh surface water on land. Yet, it is vitally important to all life on Earth. Here at the Water Science School we have the answers to your questions about surface water.
Surface Water Photo Gallery
Learn about surface water using pictures.
Base Flow in Rivers
When a drought hits and little or no rain has fallen in a long time, you might expect small streams and even larger rivers to just dry up, right? In many cases, they don't. Streamflow might lessen to a trickle or so, but water continues to flow. How is that possible? Read on to find out how "base flow", which is water seeping into the stream from groundwater, helps keep water in streams during...
Surface Water Information by Topic
Surface water is the most recognizable part of the water cycle that we can see. Lakes and rivers may be the first types of surface water that come to mind but don't forget those snowbanks in your front yard! We think of oceans when we think of surface water but did you remember to add glaciers to your list? The Water Science School has plenty to teach you about the different types of surface...
Water Science Activity Center
This is the interactive section of our site where you can answer challenge questions, participate in opinion surveys about water issues, and take true/false quizzes.
How Streamflow is Measured
How can one tell how much water is flowing in a river? Can we simply measure how high the water has risen/fallen? The height of the surface of the water is called the stream stage or gage height. However, the USGS has more accurate ways of determining how much water is flowing in a river. Read on to learn more.
Floods and Recurrence Intervals
A major storm or hurricane hits your area and on the radio you hear reference to a "100-year flood". But what exactly is a "100-year flood"? The term "100-year flood" is often used to describe a flood of great magnitude, but there is a lot more to it.
Rivers of the World: World's Longest Rivers
Ever wondered about what is the longest river in the world? Or in the United States? Find out here.