THE IMPORTANCE OF HYDROLOGICAL DATA

THE IMPORTANCE OF HYDROLOGICAL
DATA

Hydrological observations are, in a broad sense, a method of clarifying

quantitatively each process in the water cycle, encompassing
an extremely wide range of phenomena. The prevention of disasters
caused by floods and droughts would be impossible without
rational forecasting technology based on an understanding of the
rainfall runoff phenomenon and statistical analysis of past hydrological
data, which cannot be achieved without hydrological
observations.

And whether intentional or not, human, social and
economic activities have a great impact on the hydrological cycle.
For example, large-scale changes in land use and/or the construction
of structures intended to control the hydrological cycle
change natural runoff patterns. It is extremely important to collect
and to analyse hydrological data continuously over long periods of
time in order to evaluate these effects and to take appropriate mitigation
measures.
Thanks to the rapid growth of data communication
networks in recent years, it is now possible to use these networks
to disseminate hydrological data and allow its on-line use by the
public. Information of this kind is extremely beneficial, because,
when a disaster is forecasted or actually occurs, users can obtain

real-time data and analyse it appropriately in order to prevent or to
minimize the disaster.
The accumulation and active use of hydrological data in
this way plays an extremely important role in total watershed
management, including flood control, water use and environmental
conservation.

Source: Hydrological Data Management  Present State and Trends--

3 good books from WMO

• WMO (1994) Guide to Hydrological Practices, 5th ed., WMO-No. 168. Chapters 20, 21.
• WMO (Terakawa, A) (2003) Hydrological Data Management: Present State and Trends, WMO-No. 964. (Available through http://www.wmo.int/).
• WMO (2008) Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation, 7th ed., (Available through http://www.wmo.int/