ETYM French See Sur-, and Face, Superficial.
1. The extended two-dimensional outer boundary of a three-dimensional object.
2. The outer boundary of an object or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary.
3. The outermost level of the land or sea; SYN. Earth's surface.
4. A superficial aspect as opposed to the real nature of something.

To come to the surface; SYN. come up, rise up, rise.

On the surface