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

It is important to note, though, that many other factors affect the risk of flooding including land use, groundwater extraction, local hydrology and preceding conditions.

From BBC

"The data instead support a more modest and spatially variable response influenced by hydrology, browsing, and local site conditions."

From Science Daily

It’s possible, Larson said, “that the hydrology is just getting so bad right now that people are getting really nervous, and that’ll push people to the table as they get worried.”

From Los Angeles Times

“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