Hydrogeology is the study of the distribution, movement, and quality of groundwater in the Earth's subsurface. It is a branch of geology that deals with the study of the physical and chemical properties of water in the soil and rocks, and how water moves through the subsurface environment.
Hydrogeologists study the hydrologic cycle, which includes the movement of water between the atmosphere, land surface, and subsurface. They investigate how water is stored, transported, and released in underground aquifers, which are layers of permeable rock or sediment that contain groundwater.
Hydrogeologists also assess the quality of groundwater, including its chemical composition and its potential for contamination from natural or human sources. They use a variety of tools and techniques, such as drilling, geophysical surveys, and computer models, to explore and understand the subsurface environment.
Hydrogeology has important applications in many areas, including water supply, environmental management, mineral exploration, and oil and gas production. It is also critical for understanding the impacts of climate change on the water cycle and developing sustainable water management strategies.