Paleohydrology

Type: Concept

As of November 2026, Paleohydrology has been mentioned in one podcast episode on Stuff You Should Know (Feb 2026). Study of ancient water systems, relevant to understanding flood myths.

Paleohydrology, or palaeohydrology, is the scientific study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth during previous periods of its history. The discipline uses indirect evidence to infer changes in deposition rates, the existence of flooding, changes in sea levels, changes in groundwater levels and the erosion of rocks. It also deals with alterations in the floral and faunal assemblages which have come about in previous periods because of changes in hydrology.