CE 326

INTRODUCTION TO
HYDROLOGY
Engr. Reyca Joice Q. Obsioma, M.Eng.
ETYMOLOGY
Hydrology
from the from the Latin Word
Greek Word hudor logia meaning
meaning “water” “science or study of”
DEFINITION
Hydrology is the science that deals with the occurrence,
circulation, and distribution of water of the earth and its
atmosphere.
Hydrology is the study of rainfall, runoff, and the
behavior of water in the natural environment.This
knowledge informs the design of drainage and flood
control systems.
CLASSIFICATIONS
1. Scientific Hydrology which is concerned
chiefly with academic aspects.
2. Engineering or Applied Hydrology which is
concerned with engineering applications.
Engineering Hydrology
Engineering hydrology deals with:
1. Estimation of water resources
2. The study of hydrologic processes and their
interactions.
3. The study of problems and strategies to
combat them.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE
The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, is a
fundamental Earth process that describes the continuous
movement of water through various stages and reservoirs on our
planet. Understanding the water cycle is fundamental to water
resources engineering. It involves the continuous movement of
water through various phases, including evaporation, condensation,
precipitation, runoff, and infiltration. It plays a critical role in
maintaining life, regulating climate, and shaping the landscape.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

1. Evaporation:
The cycle begins with the
evaporation of water from
the Earth's surface.This
occurs when the Sun's
energy heats water bodies
such as oceans, rivers, and
lakes, causing water
molecules to change from a
liquid to a gaseous state
(water vapor).
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

2. Transpiration:
Plants also release water
vapor through small
openings in their leaves, a
process known as
transpiration.This
contributes to the moisture
in the atmosphere.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

3. Condensation:
As water vapor rises into
the atmosphere, it cools
and condenses into tiny
water droplets or ice
crystals.This process forms
clouds and fog, which are
visible collections of water
droplets.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

4. Precipitation:
When the water droplets in
clouds combine and grow
large enough, they fall to
the Earth's surface as
precipitation.This can take
the form of rain, snow, sleet,
or hail, depending on
temperature and
atmospheric conditions.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

5. Infiltration:
Precipitation that reaches
the Earth's surface may
either flow over the land as
runoff or infiltrate into the
ground. Infiltration is the
process by which water
seeps into the soil and
becomes groundwater.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

6. Surface Runoff:
Excess water that does
not infiltrate the soil
flows over the land
surface as runoff. It
collects in rivers, streams,
and eventually flows into
larger bodies of water
such as lakes and oceans.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

7. Groundwater
Flow:
Water that infiltrates the
soil can move downward
through porous rocks
and soil layers until it
reaches an impermeable
layer called an aquiclude.
At this point, it may flow
laterally and eventually
discharge into rivers,
springs, or other water
bodies.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

8. Subsurface Flow:
Water can also move
horizontally within the
soil and rock layers
above the impermeable
layer.This subsurface flow
can contribute to the
flow of springs and the
base flow of rivers.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

9. Surface Water
Storage:
Water may be
temporarily stored in
various surface
reservoirs, including
lakes, reservoirs, and
wetlands.These storage
areas can regulate water
availability and contribute
to the replenishment of
groundwater.
HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

10. Oceanic Flow: