Land Hydrology

Land Hydrology is the study of the movement, distribution, and management of water occurring over and under the land surface. It is a branch of water resources engineering that is essential for understanding and managing water systems, both on and off the land. As water moves from the atmosphere to the groundwater, it affects the landscape, causes flooding and erosion, and contributes to the global climate. Furthermore, land hydrology is essential for controlling pollution and for understanding the impacts of climate change. Land hydrologists use geophysical methods such as field measurements, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) to investigate and manage water resources. They develop hydrologic models to help inform management decisions, and the results of their work help inform decisions related to hydropower, agricultural irrigation, public water supply, stormwater management, and more.