IntermediateTopic 74 of 112Civil & Structural
Hydrology
Study of rainfall, runoff and water cycle for design.
In depth
Hydrology studies the water cycle: precipitation, evaporation, infiltration, runoff, groundwater. Data: rain gauges, radar, stream gauges. Statistical analysis (Gumbel, log-Pearson III) gives design floods for return periods (e.g. 100-year). Catchment properties control response.
Key points
- Intensity-duration-frequency curves
- Hydrograph
- Climate change effects
ExampleA 100-year event has a 1% chance each year.
What is Hydrology?
Study of rainfall, runoff and water cycle for design.
Why is it important to understand hydrology?
Hydrology provides the flood and water supply data that drive the sizing of drainage, dams and water systems.
What is a catchment?
The area of land that drains to a common point, such as a river gauge or a dam site.
What is the water cycle's role in design?
It shows how rainfall becomes runoff, infiltration and storage, which determines how much water is available and how much must be carried away.
How is Hydrology used in practice?
Typical applications include estimating the design flood for a bridge over a river, predicting the water yield from a catchment for a reservoir and assessing the effect of urban development on runoff.
What should I learn before Hydrology?
Study "Fire engineering" first (topic 73 of 112 in Civil & Structural). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Hydrology?
Intensity-duration-frequency curves. Hydrograph. Climate change effects.
Can you give an example of Hydrology?
A 100-year event has a 1% chance each year.
What comes after Hydrology?
The next topic is "Rainfall-runoff analysis", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Hydrology?
It is classed as Intermediate in Civil & Structural (topic 74 of 112). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Civil & Structural first.