What does hydrologic mean?
Hydrologic is an adjective relating to the movement, distribution, and behavior of water on Earth. It is especially used in environmental science, geography, hydrology, and water-resource management to describe processes, data, cycles, and conditions involving water. The best-known example is the hydrologic cycle, the continuous process by which water moves through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration, and groundwater. A hydrologic study might examine river flow, rainfall patterns, snowpack, groundwater, drought, or flooding. The word is formal and technical, although it is now familiar to many readers through discussions of climate change and water security. Hydrological is a closely related and equally standard adjectival form, while hydrology names the field of study and hydrologist names a specialist in it.
adjectiveRelating to hydrology, the study of water and its movement, distribution, and interaction with the environment. It may also describe processes or cycles involving water, such as the hydrologic cycle.
- Relating to the study of water, especially its movement, distribution, and behavior on Earth.
- Relating to or involving the movement and cycling of water in the environment.
"The researchers used satellite data to study the region's hydrologic patterns."
"Changes in snowpack can significantly affect the region's hydrologic resources."
"The model compares long-term hydrologic conditions under different climate scenarios."
The hydrologic cycle quietly moves Earth's water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff, linking weather, landscapes, and living systems.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hydrologic come from?
Hydrologic was formed in the 19th century from the Greek hydor, meaning “water,” combined with the suffix -logic, associated with the study or science of a subject. It belongs to a family of English words based on the same Greek root, including hydrogen, hydrant, hydrograph, and hydrology. The related scientific term hydrology developed from Greek elements referring to water and study.
Related word forms
How hydrologic is actually used
Hydrologic is formal and technical, especially common in environmental science, geography, hydrology, and water-resource management. In general writing, hydrological is also widely used as an adjective.