What is Hydrology?

Hydrology is, simply put, the study of water. This shouldn’t be too surprising to the reader, as “hydro” comes from the Greek word for water. For a more complex definition, try the one provided by the US Geological Survey, a part of the Department of the Interior: “the science that encompasses the occurrence, distribution, movement and properties of the waters of the earth and their relationship with the environment within each phase of the hydrologic cycle”.

Water is one of the most crucial elements necessary for the sustenance of life. At its most basic level, water is required for human beings to survive. If you’re reading this, you’re probably lucky enough to have access to clean drinking water. Unfortunately, nearly 830,00 people die each year because they don’t have access to safe, treated drinking water.