Yes, it is an actual science called water hydraulics and is part of the over all study of water - hydrology. Hydrologists, study water flow patterns for river/flood control, dam locations, potential effects on aquatic life and recreation development. I am sure there are other aspects to hydrology as well. From a rescue point of view, having a basic knowledge of water hydraulics allows one to anticipate where victims might be located, what type of technical rescue might be best to employ i.e. highlines, boat and/or helicopter operations, tensioned diagonal capture lines, personnel location and most important self-rescue. Pete

Again, very interesting.

Thanks much.

Roger all the above. Moving water is a surprisingly dangerous thing. What you don't know can definitely hurt you.