Surface contamination effects on fluid flow across a glass surface have been examined in the absence and presence of a fluid meniscus. The flow of water in the absence of a fluid meniscus is unaffected by contamination of the glass surface with propanol. Meniscus motion across a glass surface, however, is affected by surface contamination and demonstrates dissipative stick-slip behavior. Dissipative meniscus motion and the dependence of meniscus mobility on surface contamination contribute to the attenuation measured in partially saturated artificial glass cracks, and may be an important component of the seismic attenuation in partially saturated rocks.¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union