Complex Networks and Hydrologic Applications

Connections are ubiquitous in hydrology. However, understanding the nature and extent of connections in hydrologic systems has and continues to be a tremendous challenge. In recent years, applications of the concepts of complex networks to study connections in hydrologic systems have started to emerge. This chapter aims to offer an overview of the science of complex networks and its applications in hydrology. First, the basic concept of a network, the history of development of network theory, and some important measures of network properties are presented. Next, applications of complex networks in hydrology are reviewed, including studies on spatial connections, temporal connections, and catchment classification. Finally, some remarks on future directions are made.