Hydrology pertains to the scientific study of water, especially its movement in
relation to land. In nature, water may exist in three states ~ solid, liquid, and
vapour. Water is distributed unevenly; and it is in constant motion in the form
of clouds, water vapour, as well as surface water bodies, such as rivers and
groundwater. We are surrounded by water in all directions.
Various hydrologic processes, such as precipitation, evaporation,
evapotranspiration, surface runoff, infiltration, and groundwater flow are
important parameters for quantifying the movement and availability of water
resources at a given site. For example, many hydraulic structures require
information about the design flood which cannot be estimated without an indepth
knowledge of hydrology. Similarly, for food production, it is necessary
to measure the crop water requirement for a proper planning of available water
resources. Measuring evaporation from ground surface would be an uphill
task unless one has a strong background in hydrology.
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