Science Unit 8 Lesson 8 Flashcards
What is the definition of hydrology?
The study of the occurrence, movement, distribution, and quality of water throughout Earth
What is the role of hydrology?
Scientists working in the field of hydrology collect and analyze data. They also monitor, manage, and protect water resources on Earth.
What is the definition of hydrologist?
a scientist who studies how water interacts with Earth’s systems and helps manage water resources
What do scientists working in the field of hydrology do?
Hydrologists work toward understanding the relationship between water and the environment within the hydrologic cycle. Hydrologists apply mathematical principles, scientific knowledge, and engineering practices to help solve society’s problems related to the quantity, quality, and availability of water resources.
What is the defitnion of the hydrologic cycle (water cycle)?
The continual movement of water throughout Earth’s atmosphere movement of water throughout Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land surface evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation.
What is a v-notch and it can help predict what?
This is a v-notch weir. It is a plate that is placed in a river channel. It measures the flow of water by obstructing some of the water. Hydrologists use this data and computer models to help predict floods.
Hydrologist often create what?
Hydrologists often help create water management plans for cities or facilities by looking at data such as current water usage, trends, and the per-unit cost of water and sewer service.
What do hyrologists do after a dam is built?
After a dam is built, hydrologists also collect data on the reservoir volume and water flow. We measure the same data frequently over the years to see how the dam is functioning. You can see our original volume markers here.
Why do Hydrologists also study ice and snow?
Hydrologists also study water in the form of ice and snow. To help us calculate snowmelt runoff and groundwater recharge, we measure the depth and density of the snow.
List 4–5 duties or responsibilities of a hydrologist:
- Measure properties of water bodies, such as stream flow.
- Analyze how changes to the environment affect quality and
quantity of water. - Collect water and soil samples to determine contaminants or
pollutant levels. - Use computer models to predict things such as floods,
droughts, and spread of pollution. - Help design and evaluate dams, levees, and water treatment plants.
Give one example of how hydrologists work with other professionals to monitor and manage water supplies.
Hydrologists work with policy makers to help develop water conservation plans.
Name two kinds of tools or equipment used by hydrologists. Describe how they use the equipment.
- remote sensing equipment to help collect data
- computers to help analyze the data
Describe how hydrologists use computer models.
Hydrologists use computer models to help
analyze data sets, such as hydrographs and flood frequency graphs.
Compare groundwater and surface water hydrologists.
Groundwater hydrologists study the water below Earth’s surface. They can help decide the best locations for wells or waste disposal sites to ensure that groundwater is not contaminated. Surface water hydrologists study water from above ground sources such as streams, lakes, and snowpacks. They help forecast floods and help develop flood management plans.
Why do hydrologists need good analytical, communication, and critical
thinking skills?
- analytical skills – Hydrologists need to analyze and make
sense of complex datasets - communication skills – Hydrologists have to present their
findings to citizens and government officials. - critical thinking skills – Hydrologists have to assess risks to the
quality, availability, and quantity of water. They help develop
water conservation and management plans.
