The four main branches of hydrology are:
- Surface water hydrology: This branch of hydrology deals with the study of water on the earth’s surface, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands. It involves the measurement and analysis of precipitation, streamflow, and other surface water features.
- Groundwater hydrology: This branch of hydrology deals with the study of water below the earth’s surface, including aquifers and wells. It involves the measurement and analysis of groundwater levels, flow, and quality.
- Hydrometeorology: This branch of hydrology deals with the study of the relationship between water and the atmosphere. It involves the measurement and analysis of precipitation, evaporation, and other meteorological processes that affect the water cycle.
- Watershed hydrology: This branch of hydrology deals with the study of water in a specific watershed or drainage basin. It involves the measurement and analysis of precipitation, streamflow, and other water-related processes within a specific area, and how they interact with the surrounding landscape.
It’s worth noting that these are broad categories and the field of hydrology is interdisciplinary and can also include elements of geology, chemistry, physics, and even ecology.