Difference Between Hydraulics and Hydrology

Hydraulics and hydrology, are two similar topics that are subdisciplines of science. But in-depth, both have a lot of differences. Hydrology and hydraulics are derived from two Greek words hydrology and hydraulics respectively. Hydrology from “Hydor”(means “water”) and "Logos"(means “Study”), and Hydraulics from “Hydor”(means “water”) and “Aulos”(means “pipe”). In short, hydrology is the study of water, and hydraulics deals with fluids in motion. A detailed overview of both these topics and the difference between hydraulics and hydrology are provided in this article. Hydraulics and hydrology, are two similar topics that are subdisciplines of science. But in-depth, both have a lot of differences. Hydrology and hydraulics are derived from two Greek words hydrology and hydraulics respectively. Hydrology from “Hydor”(means “water”) and "Logos"(means “Study”), and Hydraulics from “Hydor”(means “water”) and “Aulos”(means “pipe”). In short, hydrology is the study of water, and hydraulics deals with fluids in motion. A detailed overview of both these topics and the difference between hydraulics and hydrology are provided in this article.

What is Hydraulics?

         Hydraulics is a branch of science that deals with fluids and their properties. In hydraulics, a large force can be generated using incompressible fluids. The basic principle behind the working of every hydraulic equipment is Pascal’s law. The important components of hydraulics are a reservoir to store hydraulic fluid, a pump to suck the fluid from the reservoir, valves for directing the flow of fluid and controlling system pressure, filters to eliminate foreign particles, pipings for transferring fluids from one part to another, and motors for converting mechanical energy to hydraulic energy. The hydraulic fluid used in the system will vary depending on the applications. Generally, these fluids are categorized into synthetic oil and mineral oil. Synthetic oil is one created from the laboratory and mineral oil is extracted from crude oil. In-depth, these fluids can be again classified into petroleum-based and fire-resistant hydraulic oil. Almost every industry utilizes the applications of hydraulics. Some examples include hydraulic lifts; construction equipment like cranes, excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, etc.; hydraulic brakes; power steering; hydraulic jacks; etc.. In all these applications, only a small force is applied for moving, lifting, or holding a large object.

What is Hydrology?

          Hydrology is a branch of science that deals with the study of complex water systems and finding solutions for problems related to those. The occurrence, distribution, movement, and properties of the water present on the earth's surface are studied using hydrology. Hydrology can be subdivided into surface water hydrology, hydrogeology/groundwater hydrology, and marine hydrology. Surface water hydrology deals with the management and study of water present on the earth's surface like rivers, lakes, dams, etc. Groundwater hydrology/hydrogeology deals with the management and study of water present beneath the earth's surface. Marine hydrology deals with the management and study of water present in oceans. A hydrologist or water resource engineer is a person who applies scientific knowledge and mathematical principles to studying complex water systems and finding appropriate solutions. The hydrologists will plan, analyze, design, construct, and operate projects, utilize, and manage water resources. Hydrology has many applications including rainfall calculations, mitigating and predicting floods, drainage modeling, designing dams, determining water balance, designing irrigation schemes, designing bridges, etc.