CE122 Hydrology

Introduction
Prepared by: Engr. Neslyn E. Lopez
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
Transportation Components of the
Hydrologic Cycle
 Transportation Storage Components
Components
Precipitation Storage on the land
(depression storage, ponds, lakes,
reservoirs, etc.)
Evaporation Soil moisture storage
Transpiration Groundwater storage
Infiltration
Runoff
The HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE has importance
influence in a variety of fields:

 Agriculture

 Forestry

 Geography

 Economics

 Sociology

 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
 Recreational use of water