The scientific term for the process of water changing from solid to liquid is melting. This process occurs when solid ice absorbs heat, causing its temperature to rise until it reaches the melting point, typically 0°C (32°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. During melting, the rigid structure of ice transitions into the more fluid structure of liquid water. This is a crucial aspect of the water cycle and has important implications in various fields, including climatology, environmental science, and ecology.