Basic Ground-water Hydrology Ground-water hydrology is the
subdivision of the science of hydrology that deals with the
occurrence, movement, and quality of water beneath the Earth's
surface. It is interdisciplinary in scope in that it involves
the application of the physical, biological, and mathematical
sciences. It is also a science whose successful application is
of critical importance to the welfare of mankind. Because
ground-water hydrology deals with the occurrence and movement of
water in an almost infinitely complex subsurface environment, it
is, in its most advanced state, one of the most complex of the
sciences. On the other hand, many of its basic principles and
methods can be understood readily by nonhydrologists and used by
them in the solution of ground-water problems. The purpose of
this report is to present these basic aspects of ground-water
hydrology in a form that will encourage more widespread
understanding and use. The ground-water environment is hidden
from view except in caves and mines