Information AboutHydrologic |
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Hydrology (from throughout the Earth, and thus addresses both the Hydrologic Cycle and Water Resources . A practitioner of hydrology is a hydrologist, working within the fields of either Earth or Environmental Science , or Civil and Environmental Engineering . Domains of hydrology include Hydrometeorology , Surface Hydrology , Hydrogeology , Drainage Basin management and Water Quality , where water plays the central role. Oceanography and Meteorology are not included because water is only one of many important aspects. Hydrological research is useful not only in that it allows us to better understand the world in which we live, but also by providing insight for Environmental Engineering , Policy and Planning . HYDROLOGIC CYCLE ''Main article: Hydrologic Cycle '' BRANCHES OF HYDROLOGY Chemical Hydrology is the study of the chemical characteristics of water. Ecohydrology is the study of interactions between organisms and the hydrologic cycle. Hydrogeology is the study of the presence and movement of water in aquifers. Hydroinformatics is the adaptation of information technology to hydrology and water resources applications. Hydrometeorology is the study of the transfer of water and energy between land and water body surfaces and the lower atmosphere. Hydromorphology Isotope Hydrology is the study of the istopic signatures of water. Surface Hydrology is the study of hydrologic processes that operate at or near the Earth 's surface. Related Fields
HYDROLOGIC MEASUREMENTS The movement of water through the Earth can be measured in a number of ways. This information is important for both assessing water resources and understanding the processes involved in the hydrologic cycle. Following is a list of devices used by hydrologists and what they are used to measure.
HYDROLOGIC PREDICTION Observations of hydrologic processes are used to make Predictions of future water movement and quantity. Statistical Hydrology By analysing the Statistical properties of hydrologic records, such as rainfall or river flow, hydrologists can estimate future hydrologic phenomena. This, however, assumes the characteristics of the processes remain unchanged. These estimates are important for Engineers and Economists so that proper Risk Analysis can be performed to influence investment dicisions in future infrastructure and to determine the yield reliability characteristics of water supply systems. Statistical information is utilised to formulate Operating Rules for Large Dams forming part of systems which include Agricultural , Industrial and Residential demands. See: Return Period . Hydrologic Modeling Hydrologic models are simplified, conceptual representations of a part of the hydrologic cycle. They are primarily used for hydrologic prediction and for understanding hydrologic processes. Two major types of hydrologic models can be distinguished:
HYDROLOGIC TRANSPORT Water movement is a significant means by which other material, such as soil or pollutants, are transported from place to place. See: Erosion , Pollution . APPLICATIONS OF HYDROLOGY
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