Hydrology Report

Hydrology is the scientific study of water in the Earth's system, encompassing everything from precipitation and surface water to groundwater and the movement of water in the atmosphere. In the United States, hydrologists often use the Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) hierarchy, which divides the country into regions, subregions, basins, and watersheds, to better understand and manage water resources.

Surface water plays a crucial role in this system, with rivers and streams feeding into larger bodies of water like lakes and oceans. Snowpacks also play a vital role, serving as a natural reservoir of water that melts and provides streams and rivers with a steady flow. In addition to surface water, reservoirs are a key component of the US hydrological system, serving as man-made storage sites for water that can be used for irrigation, drinking water, and power generation. Finally, groundwater, which is water stored beneath the Earth's surface in porous rock formations and aquifers, is another vital aspect of hydrology.

Overall, hydrology is a critical field that helps us understand and manage the world's most precious resource: water. By studying the movement of water through the Earth's system, hydrologists are able to predict and mitigate the impacts of droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events, ensuring a sustainable water supply for generations to come.

Hydrologic Unit Classification