Hydrology is the study of the occurrence and distribution of water on the earth both above and below ground, and the chemical and biological processes that determine water quality. Consequently, hydrology is an interdisciplinary science encompassing aspects of geology, chemistry, physics, and biology. Contemporary hydrologic problems range from water supply to flood hazards to wetland protection/renovation to stream, lake, and groundwater pollution.

EES 322 - Hydrology with Laboratory
This is an introduction to physical hydrology that emphasizes quantifying the hydrologic cycle.

EES 336 - Applied Hydrogeochemistry with Laboratory
This is an introduction to chemical hydrology and examines hydrologic applications to aqueous geochemistry and isotope hydrology.

EES 442 - Groundwater Hydrology with Laboratory
Investigates subsurface waters.

EES 436 - Introduction to Contaminant Hydrogeology
Investigates groundwater contamination problems.

These courses incorporate hands-on experiences in the field, laboratory,
and computer laboratory.

Research/Internship Opportunities and the Annual Hydrogeology Award

Additional research sites are located around the state. Students conducting independent research are encouraged to present their results at regional conferences as well as the ECSU Student Research Conference in Arts and Sciences. External internships and cooperative learning experiences are available through environmental consulting firms, environmental laboratories, the CT Department of Environmental Protection, and regional offices of the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Outstanding hydrology students are eligible to receive the Hydrogeology Award.

Laboratory Facilities

• The Hydrology Laboratory is equipped for determining the physical characteristics of geologic materials, such as particle size distribution, permeability, and resistivity.
• The Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory is equipped for determining inorganic and microbiological constituents in water samples collected from field sites.
• The EES Computer Laboratory has state-of-the-art software for interpreting hydrologic data and for computer modeling of hydrologic systems.
  

• Gurley Price AA current meter with digital recorder and top-setting wading rod
• Gurley pygmy current meter with digital recorder and top-setting wading rod
• Gurley pygmy current meter with headphones and top-setting wading rod
• Steven Type F water level recorder and stilling well
• 3” Parshall flume
• Class A evaporation station
• Recording rain gage

• Little Beaver hydraulic earth drill and accessories
  
• JMC ESP+ (subsoil sampler) w/ Bosch Electric Hammer and accessories
• AGI STING R1 earth resistivity system and accessories
• Geometrics GEODE 12-channel seismograph
• Sieve shaker, sieve sets, and hydrometers

• Fultz SP-300R portable submersible sampling pump for 2” wells
  
• JTriLoc portable hand pump for 2” wells
• Stevens 420 level loggers with submersible depth transmitters
  
• Electric water depth meters (and traditional chalk and tape)
  
• SoilTest laboratory permeameters, 3” and 6” dia.

• Guelph field permeameters
  
• MP-917 Moisture Point System (TDR) and accessories
• Soil Measurement Systems Tensimeter
• Double-ring infiltrometer

• YSI water quality monitoring (flow through) system
  
• Water sample filtering apparatus
• Field pH, Eh, DO, EC, and T meters
  
• Hach DR2010 field spectrophotometers
  
• Digital titrators
• ISE probes and meters
• Hach microbiology field laboratory

• Topcon Auto Levels with aluminum tripods, fiberglass surveyor’s rods
  
• DISTO laser distance meters
• Geologist’s surveying compass with Jacob’s staff
• Planix 7 digital planimeters
• Electronic map measurers

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