on the water surface vs at the water surface

Both "on the water surface" and "at the water surface" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "On the water surface" is used when something is physically touching or floating on the surface of the water. On the other hand, "at the water surface" is used when referring to a location or position relative to the surface of the water.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 1725 views

on the water surface

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to describe something that is physically touching or floating on the surface of the water.

Examples:

The duck was swimming on the water surface.
Oil spills can be harmful to marine life on the water surface.
The leaves were floating on the water surface of the pond.
The boat was gliding smoothly on the water surface.
The sunlight reflected beautifully on the water surface.

Show examples from the web [+]

Note the first bubbles on the water surface.
LARVIVA ProStartis characterized by a perfect physical quality resulting in an effective dispersion on the water surface and a slow sinking speed.
One, two, three rebounds... and go. Taking off on the water surface is not always easy with 2-4 kg of weight Gianfranco Colombo
Similar to the Dytiscids are the Gyrinids, which distinguish thanks to their capacity of skating on the water surface, where they nourish of insects (mainly Dipterans) which fall in the water during the swarming.
Life is eternal flow of the river, and we are not only a great twist on the water surface.
How about, a water sports area "down a level" to explore - instead of sailing- or to slide the boat in view from a canoe on the water surface.
The smaller species usually collect the food on the water surface or perform surface dives for catching the fishes.
The reflection on the water surface is special, filled with the colours of leafs, in accordance with the seasons.
When I looked to the sky, I could see, as the machine tumbled and audible hit on the water surface.
After about three months the young leave the "incubation chamber" and swim freely and lively on the water surface, keeping close to the mother.
Dominant hills calmly reflected on the water surface are from left to right, Pravnáč, Lomné (Lômy), rocky formed reef Čerenová, on the rightmost side is visible Prosiecka Valley.
The movement of the boat can be explained by the quick scatter of surfactant molecules on the water surface, so this little boat would move by reaction.
The most advanced evolution of such legs, called "swimming", can be observed in the Gyrinids, where the median and hind legs, extremely short and dilated, allow these insects to slide with great rapidity on the water surface.
I spent the rest of the morning close to a waterfall and its surroundings, looking carefully for details and abstractions on the water surface and in the moss covered travertine barrier.
It is important, however, that this concentration will not otherwise disturb the test system (e. g. film of the substance on the water surface preventing the oxygenation of the water, etc.).
Sugar, like all frogs, lived in a fresh and beautiful swamp, surrounded by woods and pine forests; on the water surface, scattered here and there, were floating great water lilies, which were home to frogs.
If the volume of the oil dropped and the area of the spot on the water surface are known, it is possible to make an evaluation of the molecule's thickness, which is equal to the ratio between the volume and the area of the spot.
The low surface tension of the silicone film prevents mosquito larvae from breathing as well as female mosquitoes from depositing their eggs on the water surface, drowning many of them in the attempt.
These snails probably find food floating on the water surface.
The sky is reflected on the water surface.

Alternatives:

floating on the water surface
resting on the water surface
drifting on the water surface
sitting on the water surface
lying on the water surface

at the water surface

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to describe a location or position relative to the surface of the water.

Examples:

The fish was swimming at the water surface.
The boat was hovering at the water surface.
The diver stopped at the water surface to catch his breath.
The bubbles were popping at the water surface.
The reflection of the trees was visible at the water surface.

Show examples from the web [+]

The buoyant particles accumulate at the water surface and are collected with skimmers.
When the moon shines at the water surface, it looks like - thousands of little fish dancing.
The food is optimally balanced to the nutritional requirements of goldfish and floats at the water surface. It is an ideal addition to the staple food sera goldy gran.
We looked at the water surface approaching us and the light became more intense.
It has eyes, nostrils and ears placed at the same height thus permitting to keep, unseen, at the water surface.
12 hr dark at an intensity that ranges from 600 to 2000 lux (lumen/m2) at the water surface.
Quick breathing at the water surface is an unmistakable sign for an oxygen deficiency. Unfortunately, it may then already be too late for acting sera O2-Test monitors the actual ox

Alternatives:

near the water surface
close to the water surface
above the water surface
adjacent to the water surface
along the water surface

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on the water surface vs at the water surface