Hydrology
An Introduction
Course Description
• The course deals on the hydrologic cycle and the different process
such as precipitation, evaporation, infiltration, overland flow,
groundwater flow and surface runoff generation.
Topic Outcome
• Define hydrology
• Describe origin and development of hydrology
• Define engineering hydrology
• Explain types of hydrology
• List different types of applications
Did you know?
• Without water, there would
be no life on earth.
• But where does it come from?
“ The total amount of water on the earth and in
its atmosphere does not change, but it is always
in movement.”
Water flows in many forms
• Liquid:
• Oceans, Rivers, ponds, etc.
• Solid:
• Glaciers, snow, etc.
• Gas
• Water Vapor
The science behind:
Circulation
Distribution
Origin
Hydrology
• It is the study of the waters of the earth on and beneath the surface
of the planet.
• It also involves the study of the various properties of water and its
relationship with the living and non-living environment.
• A knowledge of hydrology is fundamental to decision making
processes where water is a component of the system of concern.
Hydrology
• Hydrology has evolved as a science in response to the need to
understand the complex water system of the earth and help solve
water problems.
• Can be classified into Surface and Groundwater
History
• Early civilizations succeeded when the
availability of water is high, and failed
when it depleted
Ex. Nile, Tiber, Tigris and
Euphrates, Huangho and Yangtze, Indus,
Ganges
• Around 3000 B.C., people of Indus
Valley are aware of groundwater
development
History
• Ancient people believed that the ocean is the ultimate source of all
water.
• Leonardo da Vinci is one of the first to recognize the water cycle, now
accepted as hydrologic cycle.
• Pierre Perrault is one of the pioneers of modern hydrology who
introduced the rainfall measurement by Water Balance Equation:
P = Q + E + dS/dt
History
• Prior to 17th Century, different types of instruments were modernized
to measure important parameters.
Ex.
• Piezometer - used to • Rain gauge -
measure underground used to
water pressure measure liquid
precipitation
Structures that control the flow of water
• Canal – man made channels for water
Structures that control the flow of water
• Dam – a barrier that impounds water or underground streams.
Structures that control the flow of water
• Levee – an embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river
Structures that control the flow of water
• Water aqueduct/conduit – an artificial channel that is constructed to
convey water from one location to another.
Structures that control the flow of water
• Wells – an excavation or structure created in the ground by digging,
driving, boring, or drilling to access groundwater in underground
aquifers.
Aquifer
Summary
• Hydrology is defined as the science behind the origin, circulation and
distribution of water on the surface of the earth.
• Development of human civilizations is based on availability of water.
• The field of hydrology is classified as scientific hydrology and applied
hydrology.
Summary
• Based on distribution, hydrology is also classified as surface water
hydrology and ground water hydrology.
• Hydrology is essential for design, construction and operation of
various water resource projects, estimation of rainfall, runoff, etc.
Hydrology in engineering
• What flood flows may be expected at a spillway or highway culvert or
in a city drainage system?
• What reservoir capacity is required to assure adequate water for
irrigation or municipal water supply during droughts?
• What effect will reservoirs, levees, and other control works exert on
flood flows in a stream?
Hydrology in engineering
• The hydrologist may study the impact of Climate change.
• For water resource management: understanding water availability,
flow patters and quality is crucial for effective management of water
resources for drinking water supply, irrigation, hydropower
generation, and industrial use.
Hydrology in engineering
• Flood forecasting by assessing river behavior, floodplain mapping and
developing early warning systems.
