Introduction to Water Resources and Environmental Issues
Cambridge University Press, 12/17/2009
EAN 9780521869881, ISBN10: 0521869889
Hardcover, 468 pages, 25 x 19.3 x 2.8 cm
Language: English
How much water does the world need to support growing human populations? What factors influence water quality, droughts, floods, and waterborne diseases? What are the potential effects of climate change on the world's water resources? These questions and more are discussed in this thorough introduction to the complex world of water resources. The strength of the book is its coverage of the fundamentals of the science of water, aquatic ecology, geomorphology and hydrology, supplemented by internet resources and examples from water resource issues in the news to engage the student. The book begins with a short history of human use and influence on water, followed by chapters on the geomorphology, hydrology, chemistry, and biology of lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Major disease issues, worldwide water quality and quantity problems, and potential solutions are addressed. Water laws, water allocation, and the conflicts involved are discussed using US and international examples. Students in departments of environmental studies, life science, Earth science, and engineering will benefit from this broad survey of these crucial issues.
Preface; 1. Perspectives on water and environmental issues; 2. The water environment of early civilizations; 3. The hydrologic cycle; 4. Water quality; 5. Watershed basics; 6. Groundwater; 7. Lakes and ponds; 8. Rivers and streams; 9. Wetlands; 10. Dams and reservoirs; 11. Drinking water and wastewater treatment; 12. Water allocation law; 13. Roles of federal, regional, state, and local water management; 14. Water conflicts, solutions, and our future; References; Index.
'The key features and strengths are the breadth and scope of this text at the introductory level. With excellent diagrams, guest essays, case studies, policy analysis, and key electronic references, there really is not another text of this scope.' Timothy Link, University of Idaho
'The holistic approach towards water combined with ecological principles is a definite strength.' Alan D. Steinman, Director, Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University
'The book diverges from many other books. It has a more applied focus and will have an audience in environmental studies and resource management programs.' Jules Blais, University of Ottawa
'The book would be worthy of purchase as an overview or summary volume or as an introductory textbook, touching briefly as it does on many aspects of water use.' Journal of the American Water Resources Association