Role of hydrology and

hydraulics in Water
Resource Engineering
WHAT IS
HYDROLOGY?
 Hydrology is the study of water
 Hydrology is the science that encompasses the occurrence, distribution,
movement and properties of the waters of the earth and their
relationship with the environment within each phase of the hydrologic
cycle. The water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, is a continuous process by
which water is purified by evaporation and transported from the earth's
surface (including the oceans) to the atmosphere and back to the land
and oceans. All of the physical, chemical and biological processes
involving water as it travels its various paths in the atmosphere, over
and beneath the earth's surface and through growing plants, are of
interest to those who study the hydrologic cycle.
WATER CYCLE
ROLES OF HYDROLOGY IN WATER
RESOURCE ENGINEERING

 Estimation of water resources availability

 Estimation and reduction of hydrological risks
 Development of hydrological scenario
 Ensure proper information to decision makers
What is
Hydraulics?
 is a technology and applied science using engineering, 
chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical
properties and use of liquids. At a very basic level,
hydraulics is the liquid counterpart of pneumatics, which
concerns gases. Fluid mechanics provides the theoretical
foundation for hydraulics, which focuses on the applied
engineering using the properties of fluids. In its 
fluid power applications, hydraulics is used for the
generation, control, and transmission of power by the use of pressurized liquids.
 Water resources engineering is the quantitative study of
the hydrologic cycle -- the distribution and circulation of
water linking the earth's atmosphere, land and oceans.
Surface runoff is measured as the difference between
precipitation and abstractions, such as infiltration (which
replenishes groundwater flow), surface storage and
evaporation. Applications include the management of the
urban water supply, the design of urban storm-sewer
systems, and flood forecasting.
 Applications include the design of hydraulic structures, such as
sewage conduits, dams and breakwaters, the management of
waterways, such as erosion protection and flood protection, and
environmental management, such as prediction of the mixing and
transport of pollutants in surface water. Hydroelectric-power
development, water supply, irrigation and navigation are some
familiar applications of water resources engineering involving the
utilization of water for beneficial purposes. More recently, concern
for preserving our natural environment and meeting the needs of
developing countries has increased the importance of water
resources engineering.