Mini Review - Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (2023) Volume 7, Issue 4

Surface and subsurface hydrology: Understanding the interconnectedness of water systems

Laura Smith^*

Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of California, California, USA

Corresponding Author:

Laura Smith
Department of Hydrology and Water Resources
University of California, California, USA
E-mail: laura@smith.ucla.edu

Received: 23-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAERAR-23-92084; Editor assigned: 24-Mar-2023, PreQC No. AAERAR-23-92084(PQ); Reviewed: 08-Apr-2023, QC No. AAERAR-23-92084; Revised: 12-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AAERAR-23-92084(R); Published: 19-Apr-2023, DOI:10.35841/2529-8046-7.4.178

Citation: Smith L. Surface and subsurface hydrology: Understanding the interconnectedness of water systems. Environ Risk Assess Remediat. 2023;7(4):178

Water is a precious resource that sustains life on earth. The movement of water through the surface and subsurface of the earth is known as hydrology. Surface hydrology refers to the study of water on the earth's surface, while subsurface hydrology refers to the study of water beneath the earth's surface. Understanding the interconnectedness of these water systems is critical for managing water resources sustainably and ensuring access to clean water. Surface hydrology refers to the study of water on the earth's surface, including rivers, lakes, oceans, and wetlands. It is essential for understanding the movement, distribution, and quality of surface water. Surface water is the primary source of water for human consumption, irrigation, and industrial processes. Surface hydrology studies the processes that influence the flow of water, such as precipitation, evaporation, infiltration, and runoff. Precipitation is the primary source of water for surface hydrology, and it can vary significantly by region and season. Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas and returns to the atmosphere. Infiltration is the process by which water enters the soil, and runoff is the flow of water over the land surface [1].

Surface hydrology also studies the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water from the atmosphere to the earth's surface and back to the atmosphere. The water cycle plays a critical role in regulating the earth's climate, and changes in the water cycle can have significant impacts on the environment. Subsurface hydrology refers to the study of water beneath the earth's surface, including groundwater and soil water. Groundwater is the water that fills the spaces in underground rocks and soil. Soil water is the water that is held in the spaces between soil particles. Subsurface hydrology is critical for understanding the movement, distribution, and quality of groundwater. Groundwater is a critical source of drinking water for millions of people worldwide and is also essential for agriculture and industrial processes. Subsurface hydrology studies the processes that influence the movement of groundwater, such as recharge, discharge, and storage. Recharge is the process by which water enters the groundwater system, while discharge is the process by which water exits the groundwater system. Storage refers to the amount of water held in the groundwater system. Subsurface hydrology also studies the characteristics of the subsurface environment, such as the geology, soils, and vegetation, that influence the movement and quality of groundwater. For instance, the presence of impermeable layers in the subsurface can prevent the movement of groundwater, while the presence of porous rocks can facilitate the movement of groundwater [2].

Surface and subsurface hydrology are interconnected, and changes in one system can impact the other. For example, increased surface runoff can lead to increased recharge of groundwater, while groundwater pumping can reduce the amount of water available for surface water systems. Groundwater can also have significant impacts on surface water systems. For instance, groundwater can discharge into rivers, lakes, and wetlands, providing a constant supply of water during dry periods. Groundwater can also recharge wetlands, providing critical habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, excessive pumping of groundwater can lead to the depletion of groundwater resources, which can impact the availability of water for surface water systems. It can also lead to the subsidence of the land surface, which can damage infrastructure and buildings [3].

Human activities can also impact the interconnectedness of surface and subsurface hydrology. For example, land use changes, such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture, can alter the water balance, leading to changes in surface and subsurface water systems. The use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can also impact the quality of groundwater by contaminating it with chemicals. Contamination of groundwater can have severe consequences for human health and the environment. Groundwater contamination can occur from various sources, including industrial activities, improper waste disposal, and leaky storage tanks. The contaminated groundwater can then flow to surface water systems, leading to the contamination of surface water and potential harm to aquatic life [4].

Effective management of surface and subsurface hydrology requires an understanding of the interconnectedness of water systems and the impacts of human activities. Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is an approach that seeks to manage water resources holistically, taking into account the interconnectedness of surface and subsurface water systems, as well as the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence water management. IWRM emphasizes the need for stakeholder participation, adaptive management, and the integration of scientific and traditional knowledge systems. It also recognizes the importance of balancing the competing demands for water resources, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use, while ensuring that water resources are managed sustainably [5].

In conclusion, surface and subsurface hydrology are critical for managing water resources sustainably and ensuring access to clean water. The interconnectedness of water systems means that changes in one system can have significant impacts on the other. Human activities, such as land use changes, agricultural practices, and industrial activities, can also impact the quality and quantity of surface and subsurface water systems. Effective management of water resources requires an understanding of the interconnectedness of water systems and the use of holistic approaches, such as integrated water resources management, to ensure that water resources are managed sustainably for current and future generations.

References

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