Topic: Introduction to Hydrology can make our infrastructures

indestructible. But this is not the case,

Course & Section: CE 19 B2 we design our projects for a design life.

3. Lack of theory and/or observed data

Hydrology The study of water; As hydrologists and engineers, we are
Encompasses the occurrence (how faced with trying to predict and
often is there water), distribution (where understand nature. We fit mathematical
is the water within this system i.e., is it in models to natural phenomenon. This is
the air, surface, or soil), movement (how helpful but cannot always be accurate.
is the water transported), and properties In addition, data is not available for us to
(is it solid, liquid, or gas) of water within
make the needed prediction for the
the earth.
future. Regardless of all this, we are
faced to develop solutions even in the
What is Engineering Hydrology? presence of many limitations that exist.

→ Relates to the design and operation of

engineering projects for control and use of water
and develops solution to problems which arise
from human exploitation of water resources on
earth

Both design and operation help control, use, and

develop solution associated with too much or
too little water. This is because water is
essential for life.

Function of dams and reservoirs

1. Used for water supply

2. Energy creation
3. Flood control

Factors that Impact Hydrology

Engineers and hydrologists try and predict water

availability and use the following 3 factors that must be
accounted for:

1. Hydrologic uncertainty

As engineers and hydrologists, we’re

constantly trying to predict how much
available water we have at any given
time. As we consider this, we are faced
with uncertainty since we don’t know
what will happen tomorrow. Thus, we
use statistics to predict the future.
Climate change is impacting our
prediction as we are facing more
extreme climate events.

2. Economic limitation

Economics also play a role in design if

we had all the money in the world; we

HYDROLOGY: Course Introduction | 1