hydrology

American  

[hahy-drol-uh-jee] / haɪˈdrɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the science dealing with the occurrence, circulation, distribution, and properties of the waters of the earth and its atmosphere.

2. hydrogeology; geohydrology.

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hydrology British  

/ ˌhaɪdrəˈlɒdʒɪk, haɪˈdrɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of the distribution, conservation, use, etc, of the water of the earth and its atmosphere, particularly at the land surface

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hydrology Scientific  

/ hī-drŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of the properties, distribution, and effects of water as a liquid, solid, or gas on the Earth's surface, in the soil and underlying rocks, and in the atmosphere.

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Other Word Forms

• hydrologic adjective
• hydrological adjective
• hydrologically adverb
• hydrologist noun

Etymology

Origin of hydrology

First recorded in 1755–65; hydro- ¹ + -logy

Example Sentences

“This mismatch in hydrology and supplies requires immediate attention and science-based action to retain environmental protections while also increasing stored supplies when reservoirs are spilling.”

From Los Angeles Times

Climate change has fundamentally altered California’s hydrology, delivering more rainwater and less snowmelt, exacerbating wildfire, drought and the depletion of groundwater and aquifers.

From Los Angeles Times

“The ability to capture more water in the years it is available, particularly given California’s dynamic hydrology, is a critical component of a more secure future.”

From Los Angeles Times

The air will be filled with dust while patterns for hydrology and drainage will be altered, perhaps with unanticipated consequences.

From Salon

Development projects are reviewed by professional engineers licensed by the state and must follow state hydrology standards, James, the city manager, said.

From Los Angeles Times