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Hydrology
Hydrology is the study of the distribution and
movement of water both on and below the Earth’s
surface, as well as the impact of human activity on
water availability and conditions.

GRADES SUBJECTS
5-8 Biology, Ecology, Chemistry,
Conservation, Earth Science,
Oceanography

I M AWe
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Hydrologist
A hydrologist measures the stream flow in a tributary to the Coeur d'Alene
River.

P H OTO G R A P H BY S M I T H C O L L E C T I O N /GA D O

A RT I C L E VO C A B U L A RY

Hydrology is an extremely important field of

study, dealing with one of the most valuable
resources on Earth: water. All aspects of the
Earth’s available water are studied by experts
from many disciplines, from geologists to
engineers, to obtain the information needed to
manage this vital resource. Hydrologists rely on
their understanding of how water interacts with
its environment, including how it moves from the
Earth’s surface, to the atmosphere, and then back
to Earth. This never-ending movement is called
the hydrologic cycle, or the water cycle.

Water takes on various forms in the environment

in response to changes in temperature and other
influences. Water from the surface of oceans and
other bodies of water is warmed by the sun and
evaporates as water vapor. As this moist air rises
high into the atmosphere, it cools and condenses
into clouds. Moisture in the clouds then returns to
the Earth’s surface as precipitation. Once it
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reaches
see our privacy notice. the ground, the water is absorbed, and it
 becomes groundwater. Groundwater that is not
absorbed will return to creeks, rivers, streams, and
eventually to the oceans. The cycle repeats itself
as the surface of bodies of water once again
evaporates. Moisture captured by plants can also
return to the atmosphere through a process
called transpiration.

The field of hydrology consists not only of

studying the natural distribution and movement
of water, it is also concerned with the impact of
human activities on water quality and with
problems in water management. People use water
for many purposes. In their homes, people use
water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and
bathing. Many industries have a great need for
water. In agriculture, water is used for the
irrigation of farmland and for livestock. Water in
many dams is used to produce
hydroelectric power. The list of human uses for
water is virtually endless.

Hydrologists, such as National Geographic

Explorer Manase Elisa, play a critical role in
determining the impact of human activities on
our available water. Elisa conducted the first
extensive study of the Katuma River-Lake Rukwa
ecosystem in the African nation of Tanzania.
Irrigation in the Katuma River region has led to
environmental degradation downstream.
Hydrologists strive to improve water quality and
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 continue to make use of it in all the ways that are
necessary to our lives.

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