U8L8 Hydrology

Question 1

What is the definition of hydrology?

Answer 1

The study of the occurrence, movement, distribution, and quality of water throughout Earth

Question 2

What do scientists working in the field of hydrology do?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

What is the definition of hydrologist?

Answer 3

A scientist who studies how water interacts with Earth’s systems and helps manage water resources

Question 4

What is the defitnion of the hydrologic cycle (water cycle)?

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

List 4–5 duties or responsibilities of a hydrologist:

Answer 5

a. Measure properties of water bodies, such as stream flow.
b. Analyze how changes to the environment affect quality and quantity of water.
c. Collect water and soil samples to determine contaminants or pollutant levels.
d. Use computer models to predict things such as floods, droughts, and spread of pollution.
e. Help design and evaluate dams, levees, and water treatment plants.

Question 6

Give one example of how hydrologists work with other professionals to monitor and manage water supplies.

Answer 6

Hydrologists work with policy makers to help develop water conservation plans.

Question 7

Name two kinds of tools or equipment used by hydrologists. Describe how they use the equipment.

Answer 7

a. remote sensing equipment to help collect data

b. computers to help analyze the data

Question 8

Describe how hydrologists use computer models.

Answer 8

Hydrologists use computer models to help analyze data sets, such as hydrographs and flood frequency graphs.

Question 9

Compare groundwater and surface water hydrologists.

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Why do hydrologists need good analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills?

Answer 10

• 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.

Question 11

What is the relationship between drought and snowpack?

Answer 11

As snowpack continues to decline, there will be less water in streams and rivers. This could lead to drought.

Question 12

Hydrologists collect and analyze various data points, such as the following, to help predict floods and droughts:

Answer 12

• stream flows
• snowpack and snowmelt
• discharge patterns
• soil and rock porosity
• impermeable land area and vegetation cover in the
watershed
• amount of rainfall

Question 13

The following are examples of different types of data hydrologists collect to analyze water quality:

Answer 13

• nitrate levels
• pH levels
• oxygen levels
• lead levels

Question 14

Why do scientists measure levels of dissolved oxygen in water?

Answer 14

to analyze water quality