1. of, relating to, or occurring at or near the earth’s surface
Usage: geology; technical

Examples

• The geologist studied surficial deposits left by ancient glaciers.
• Surficial geology focuses on materials found at the earth’s surface.
• The mining company analyzed surficial rock formations before drilling.
• Surficial water flows across the landscape during heavy rainfall.
• The team mapped surficial sediments in the river valley.
• Surficial processes like erosion shape the landscape over time.