AbstractThe use of radiography is illustrated in four areas of interest to the hydrologist and geomorphologist. Soil samples analysed show that zones of varying hydraulic conductivity can be identified by X‐ray analysis, as can the extent of the root zone. In addition examples are presented which illustrate that radiography may have potential in the examination of overland flow erosion and deposition characteristics, and in the analysis of the behaviour of clay soils during and after an extreme dry perio