The phrase "surface manifestations" refers to the visible or apparent signs or effects of something. It is about how something appears on the surface, without necessarily delving into the underlying causes or deeper aspects. Full definition
The artist's treatment of them points to a refusal to be fixed in meaning, and instead to set up moments of pleasure with the simple and complex surface manifestations. (chicagoartistscoalition.org)
(Traditional therapies see symptoms as surface manifestations of deeper, usually hidden causes.) (religion-online.org)
«Given Mars» current state, with all the challenging surface manifestations of dryness, radiation and little atmosphere, the best hope for life still extant on Mars is subsurface.» (scientificamerican.com)