What is hydrology the study of?

Hydrology is the scientific study of water, specifically focusing on its movement, distribution, and properties. This encompasses the various forms of water found in nature, including its cycle through different states (liquid, vapor, and ice), as well as how water interacts with the environment, including soil and ecosystems. Understanding hydrology is crucial for managing water resources, predicting flooding, designing drainage systems, and addressing water quality issues.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the scope of hydrology. For instance, soil composition pertains to the makeup of the earth and the various materials that comprise soil, while the study of climate and weather patterns falls under meteorology, not hydrology. Finally, mineral resources relate to geology and the study of the Earth's solid materials, which is distinct from the study of water.