CE122 Hydrology

Introduction

The name of the discipline is hydrology and is

formed by two Greek words: "hydro" and "logos"
meaning "water" and "science".

HYDROLOGY means a science which deals with the

occurrence, circulation, and distribution of water of the
earth and earth's atmosphere.
SCIENTIFIC HYDROLOGY means a study which is
concern chiefly with academic aspects.
ENGINEERING OR APPLIED HYDROLOGY means
a study concerned with engineering applications.

Generally, Engineering Hydrology deals with:

1. Estimation of water resources.

2. Study of processes such as precipitation, run-off,

evapotranspiration and their interaction.

3. The study of problems such as floods, droughts, and

strategies to combat them.

The dynamic nature of water, the existence of water in

various state with different hydrological process result
in a very important natural phenomenon called
HYDROLOGIC CYCLE

Precipitation

Condensed water in the

atmosphere to form rain,
snow, hail, sleet, etc.
reaching onto the land.

Hail

Rain

Sleet

Evaporation

Transformation of liquid
water to vapor or
atmospheric water due
to heat.

Infiltration

Entry of water through

the ground enhancing
the moisture content of
the soil reaching the
groundwater body.

Transpiration

Portion of water sent

from under the ground
surface back to the
atmosphere.

Run-off

Portion of precipitation
which variety of paths
above and below the
surface of the earth
reaching
the
stream
channel.

Stream Flow

Run-off that reaches

stream channel.

Each path of Hydrologic Cycle involves one or more of

the following aspects:
1. Transportation of water
2. Temporary storage
3. Change of state

Temporary
Storage
Depression Storage

Reservoir

Dams

Pond

The HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE has importance

influence in a variety of fields agriculture, forestry,
geography, economics, sociology, and political scene.

Engineering application of the knowledge are found in

the design and operation of the projects dealing with
water supply, hydropower, irrigation & drainage, flood
control, navigation, coastal work, various hydraulic
structure works, salinity control and recreational use of
water.