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Hydrology proving to be a growing field; Water-related studies and projects are leading to a need for people with knowledge in related specialties

Posted by: Maven on June 1, 2009 at 6:41 am

From Redland’s Daily Facts:

Hydrology sounds like such a sophisticated, modern word, but the study of water has been an intellectual pursuit for more than 1,000 years.

In 4,000 B.C. the Nile was dammed to make previously barren lands bear fruit. The ancient Greeks and Romans built aqueducts. Today, hydrologists use sophisticated computer technology, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to predict areas of possible flooding and build drainage and sewer systems.

Hydrology is applied to water in the air, on the surface of the Earth, as well as in its rocks and soil. The branches of hydrology include hydrometeorology,- the study of the transfer of water and energy between the surface of the Earth and the lower atmosphere; surface hydrology, the study of the fluid mechanics of rivers, canals, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, marshes and oceans; hydrogeology, the study of the movement of water through the rocks and soil of the Earth’s crust, drainage basin management and water quality.

Hydrologists work in the fields of environmental science, physical geography, as well as civil and environmental engineering. Hydrological research provides insight for environmental engineering, policy and planning.

Hydrologists can determine the water balance of a region; develop restoration projects; design irrigation schemes to improve agricultural productivity, as well as dams and bridges, sewers and drainage systems; predict the risk of flooding, landslide and drought and perhaps most importantly, provide clean drinking water.

“It is a very broad subject and a lot of different facets, fossils to volcanoes, water and petroleum,” said Tetra Tech hydrogeologist Holly Hanke.

Read more from Redlands Daily Facts by clicking here.

June 1, 2009 · Filed Under General Water Issues

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