Prelims Hydrology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, historical figures, branches, processes, and measurement tools from the Prelims Hydrology lecture notes.

Hydrology

The study of water and its properties, including its distribution and movement in and through the land areas of the earth, the amount and flow of groundwater, and water pollution especially of groundwater and other potable water supplies.

Sinhalese

Historical group in Sri Lanka known for using hydrology to build complex irrigation works and inventing the Valve Pit.

Marcus Vitruvius

Historical figure who described a philosophical theory of the hydrologic cycle, in which precipitation falling in the mountains infiltrated the Earth's surface and led to streams and springs in the lowlands.

Daniel Bernoulli

18th-century figure whose advancements in hydrology include Bernoulli's equation and the Bernoulli piezometer.

Chemical Hydrology

The study of chemical characteristics of water.

Ecohydrology

The study of interactions between organisms and the hydrologic cycle.

Hydrogeology

The study of the presence and movement of groundwater.

Hydroinformatics

The adaptation of information technology to hydrology and water resources applications.

Hydrometeorology

The study of the transfer of water and energy between land and water body surfaces and the lower atmosphere.

Surface hydrology

The study of hydrologic processes that operate at the surface.

Oceanography

General study of water.

Meteorology

Study of the atmosphere and weather.

Limnology

Study of lakes.

Evaporation

The process where liquid turns into gas, 70% of which comes from the ocean.

Molecular Kinetic Theory

Theory explaining the states of matter based on the idea that matter is composed of tiny particles that are always in motion.

Anemometer

An instrument used to measure wind speed.

Evaporation Pan

An instrument used to measure evaporation.

Thermometer

An instrument used to measure temperature.

Hygrometer

An instrument used to measure humidity.

Transpiration

Process of water movement through plants.

Cohesion-Tension Theory

Theory stating water is pulled upward through xylem, and the loss of water at stomata creates tension, pulling more water from the roots.

Capillary Action

Process in plants where water rises on the narrow xylem.

Stomatal Transpiration

Type of transpiration where water loss occurs through stomata.

Cuticular Transpiration

Type of transpiration where water loss occurs through leaves.

Lenticular Transpiration

Type of transpiration where water loss occurs through roots.

Abscisic Acid (ABA)

Plant hormone that signals stomata to close during stress to regulate transpiration.

Potometer Experiment

Measurement experiment used to measure the rate of water uptake in plants.

Weighing Method

Measurement method where plants are weighed before and after transpiration.

Gas Exchange Measurement

Measurement method that analyzes water vapor released from leaves.

Potential Evapotranspiration

Type of evapotranspiration that depends on climate factors.

Actual Evapotranspiration

Type of evapotranspiration that occurs under given soil moisture and vegetation conditions.