Hydrology

Hydrology is the scientific study of the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on the Earth's surface and underground. It is a critical field of science that is important for understanding the global water cycle and the impacts of climate change. Hydrology is used to predict and manage the supply, distribution, and quality of fresh surface and groundwater, to assess the impacts of and mitigate floods, droughts, and other water-related hazards, and to design water management and water resources engineering projects, including dams, rivers, and reservoirs. Hydrologists also study how water moves around the environment, how it is stored, how it is used, and how it affects humans and other species.