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Hydrology

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May 1, 2024 Updated May 9, 2025 16 minute read

Hydrology is the scientific study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth and other planets, encompassing the water cycle, water resources, and environmental watershed sustainability. It's a field that delves into how water interacts with the land, atmosphere, and living organisms. For those curious about the natural world, particularly the vital resource of water, hydrology offers a fascinating and crucial area of study. High school students with an interest in environmental science or geography will find that hydrology connects many scientific disciplines to address real-world issues.

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Reading list

We've selected 31 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Hydrology.
A classic and comprehensive text specifically focusing on groundwater. is essential for anyone specializing in hydrogeology and is widely used as a textbook in university programs. It provides a thorough treatment of groundwater principles and applied methods.
This comprehensive handbook serves as a valuable reference tool for professionals and researchers, covering a wide range of topics in hydrology. It is not a textbook for beginners but an essential resource for deepening understanding and exploring various aspects of the field.
An updated version of the classic handbook, this edition includes contemporary topics and approaches in applied hydrology. It serves as a comprehensive reference for professionals and advanced students, covering a wide range of applications and modern techniques.
Focuses specifically on groundwater modeling, a crucial contemporary topic in hydrology. It is highly relevant for graduate students and professionals involved in groundwater studies and provides in-depth knowledge of modeling techniques.
This textbook offers a balanced approach to physical hydrology, integrating environmental aspects. It is well-suited for undergraduate courses and provides a clear introduction to key concepts. It helps solidify understanding through practical examples and a focus on the hillslope-stream continuum.
Specifically addresses the movement and fate of contaminants in groundwater, a critical topic in contemporary hydrology and environmental science. It is essential for those specializing in groundwater contamination and remediation.
Delves into the interdisciplinary field of ecohydrology, a contemporary topic exploring the reciprocal interactions between hydrological processes and ecosystems. It is suitable for graduate students and researchers interested in the ecological aspects of hydrology.
Addresses the specific challenges of urban hydrology, including stormwater management and water quality. It is highly relevant for professionals and students focusing on urban water systems and infrastructure. It covers contemporary issues in a practical manner.
This introductory text is suitable for students new to hydrology, including those at the high school or early undergraduate level. It covers the basic elements of the hydrologic cycle and introduces fundamental concepts. It's a good starting point for gaining a broad understanding.
Covers both hydrology and hydraulic systems, providing a link between the occurrence and movement of water and the engineering structures designed to manage it. It suitable text for civil and environmental engineering students.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of hydrology and water resources engineering, including coverage of surface water hydrology, groundwater hydrology, and water quality.
Specifically covers surface water processes, including open channel flow and flood routing. It valuable resource for those specializing in river mechanics and surface water systems. It adds depth to the understanding of a key part of the hydrologic cycle.
While focused on water quality engineering, this book is highly relevant to hydrology as it addresses the chemical and physical processes affecting water quality, which is intrinsically linked to hydrological processes. It is suitable for advanced students and professionals in environmental hydrology.
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Provides a historical and societal perspective on humanity's relationship with water. It explores how water has shaped civilizations and discusses contemporary challenges. It offers valuable context for understanding the importance of hydrology beyond the technical aspects.
Provides a comprehensive overview of hydrological modelling, covering both the theoretical principles and practical applications of hydrological models.
This practical guide focuses on field techniques in hydrogeology, essential for professionals working with groundwater. It complements theoretical knowledge with practical skills needed for data collection and site investigation. It useful reference for both students and practitioners.
A critically acclaimed book examining the history and politics of water development in the American West. While focused on a specific region, it highlights broader issues of water management, policy, and their environmental consequences. It's a compelling read for understanding the societal impact of hydrology.
Offers a broader, more accessible perspective on water as a resource and the challenges related to its availability and management. While not a technical textbook, it provides valuable context on contemporary water issues and can be a good supplementary reading for all levels.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of hydrogeology, covering both the fundamental principles and practical applications of the field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of hydroinformatics, covering both the theoretical principles and practical applications of the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of karst hydrogeology and geomorphology, covering both the theoretical principles and practical applications of the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the use of isotope tracers in catchment hydrology, covering both the theoretical principles and practical applications of the field.
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