A hydrologist is a scientist who researches the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of the earth’s underground and surface waters. They help environmental and other scientists preserve and clean up the environment, as well as search for groundwater. These professionals specialises in various files such as physical geography, environmental engineering, civil engineering and earth or environmental sciences. They play a vital role in solving water related problems such as water management, environmental preservation etc. There are different subdomains in hydrology such as marine hydrology, groundwater hydrology and water hydrology.
Roles And Responsibilities
- Plan and collect surface water or groundwater and monitor data to support projects and programs
- Work with local, state, and central agencies on water resource issues
- Conduct watershed and storm water studies
- Process meteorological, snow, and hydrologic data
- Assess the suitability of new hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Use computer models to forecast future conditions concerning water supplies, the spread or remediation of pollution, floods, and other events
- Prepare various maps and figures, including: contour maps of groundwater elevations, geologic structure, cross-sections, isopach, water quality, and other hydro geologic data
- Install and maintain water property and water quality instrumentation
- Determine the nature and extent of contamination in groundwater
- Prepare written reports and make oral presentations
Key Skills Required
- Critical thinking
- Verbal and communication
- Writing skills
- Analytical skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Time management and organisational skills
- Computer skills
- Physical strength
Career Opportunities
- Geo hydrologist
- Conservation scientists
- Environmental scientists
- Environmental engineer
- Professor of Hydrology
How To Pursue A Career in Hydrology
| Stream | Graduation | After Graduation | After Post graduation |
| Class XII With Science Stream | B.Sc in Geography | M.Sc. in Hydrology | P. hD |
| Class XII With Science Stream | B.Tech in Civil engineering | M.Tech. in Hydrology | P.hD |
| Class XII With Science Stream | B.Tech in Environmental Engineering | M.Tech. in Hydrology | P.hD |
| Class XII With Science Stream | B.Tech in Civil Engineering/Environmental Engineering | M.Tech/ ME in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering |
Top Colleges To Study Hydrology
- National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee
- Andhra University (AU), Vishakhapatnam
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
- Amity University, Noida
- Anna University, Chennai
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Roorkee), Roorkee
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Kharagpur), Kharagpur
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Water is going to be a scare resource in near future. A hydrologist has vast opportunities in making a career while helping humanity save itself from lack of water.