Hydrology

Hydrology seeks to understand the movement of water through the environment, and predict how water bodies will behave under different circumstances. It encompasses all aspects of water as it moves through the water cycle, except the ocean phase.

The remit of our hydrology unit covers changes in water quantities in catchment water bodies and includes modified or artificial water bodies such as canals and reservoirs. The movement of water through groundwater is also important and analysed by SEPA hydro-geologists.

Our hydrologists use detailed data sources, computer modelling packages and other resources in order to maintain and develop successful water management strategies for Scotland. Our hydrology teams play a key role in ensuring the safe and sustainable management of natural and domestic water resources. Hydrology staff are responsible for a hydrometric network of more than 400 river, loch and tidal gauging stations and over 550 rain gauges.

Quantitative assessments of water movement is undertaken by field measurements of rainfall and of loch, groundwater, and river levels – the latter primarily at a network of gauging stations where empirical relationships are developed to convert the level data into flow information. This field data collection is known as hydrometry and is a key source of data for hydrology and hydrogeology both to drive modes and to permit SEPA to undertake other functions – for example, flood risk assessment and flood warning.

SEPA's hydrology function maintains relationships with key partners throughout the UK including:

• Meteorological Office
• British Geological Survey
• Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
• Hydraulics Research
• Wallingford and Macaulay Land Use Research Institute.