Hydrologists

Description

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities. Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of the hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure. Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells. Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments, such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments. Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology. Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes. Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost. Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action. Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation. Develop or modify methods of conducting hydrologic studies.