Hydrology and Hydrogeology
Hydrology and hydrogeology are both disciplines within the broader field of Earth sciences that focus on water, but they have distinct areas of emphasis and study.
- Hydrology is the study of water distribution, movement, and properties on the Earth's surface, underground, and in the atmosphere. Hydrologists analyze processes such as precipitation, evaporation, runoff, groundwater flow, and water quality to understand the water cycle, manage water resources, and address issues related to water scarcity, flooding, and water pollution.
- Hydrogeology is a branch of geology that focuses on the study of groundwater and its interaction with geological formations. It involves the investigation of the distribution, movement, and quality of groundwater within aquifers, which are underground layers of rock or sediment that can store and transmit water.