Encyclopedic Dictionary Of Hydrogeology

The scientific disciplines of hydrology and hydrogeology are expanding as the Earth's water is being recognized by governments and individuals as a shrinking resource—no entity can afford to take water for granted. At the present time, there is no single reference source for definitions. The Encyclopedic Dictionary of Hydrogeology is a practical, comprehensive reference guide with complete definitions of terms in hydrogeology and other fields closely related to water practices. This concise reference not only defines terms and concepts, but also provides a clear explanation of key elements so that an in-depth understanding of processes may be obtained. With more than 2,000 entries, from "absolute permeability" to the "Z-R relationship", this dictionary features the most up-to-date vocabulary in hydrology and hydrogeology. This dictionary would be of use to practicing scientists and professionals in all the fields of water science More than 340 graphs, tables and diagrams complement the entries in order to clarify terms, methods, or processes Essential reference for students, academics, consultants, and practitioners in hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental engineering, environmental law, and the government

"The aim of this dictionary is to cover the range of words and technical terms occurring in the field of hydrogeology proper, geohydrology, which deals with the analytical methods of hydromechanics in the geological and related laboratory context, ground water exploration through geophysical methods, aquifer development and exploitation through well-drilling and completion methods."--Preface.

The fresh water supplies of the Earth are finite and as the world's population continues to grow humanity's thirst for this water seems unquenchable. Intense pressure is being exerted upon freshwater resources and a lack of adequate clean water is seen as one of the most serious global problems for the 21st century. Indeed it has been said that the next war will be fought over water, not oil. Human health and the health of supporting ecosystems increasingly depends upon our ability to find, control, manage and understand water. In a single volume, The Encyclopedia of Hydrology and Water Resources provides the reader with a comprehensive overview and understanding of the diverse field of hydrology. The intimate inclusion of material on water resources emphasizes the practical applications of this field, applications which are indispensable in any modern approach to the subject. This volume is a vital reference for all hydrologists, hydrogeologists and water engineers worldwide, whether they are concerned with the exploitation of new sources of water, the protection and management of existing reserves, or the science of surface water and groundwater flow. 114 eminent scientists from 17 countries worldwide have contributed to this authoritative volume. Superbly illustrated throughout, it includes almost 300 entries on a range of key topics, including arid and semi-arid zones, climates and climate change, floods and droughts, desertification, entropy, flow measurement, groundwater, hydrological cycle, hydrological models, infiltration, karst hydrology, paleohydrology, precipitation, remote sensing, river pollution prevention, rivers, lakes and seas, satellite hydrology, soil erosion, water treatment, water use, weather radar, and world water balance.

The book has its origin when I was an academic at Flinders University. Some Australian students, and many overseas students, seemed to be having difficulty with the jargon. To overcome this obstacle I started giving a glossary as a hand-out of a few pages. With each successive year the glossary expanded more and more until it reached the stage when I thought I might as well turn it into a technical dictionary for the benefit of both students and the many in-career professionals. The first edition was quite well received, but that was 20 years ago, and it is now starting to look distinctly dated. Also, in the intervening period the entire jargon of the water sector has expanded and evolved so, in response to several peoples suggestion of a revise3d updated and expanded edition, here it is.

Over the last twenty years there have been new developments in the field of hydrogeology and an enlargement of the scope into environmental concerns. This dictionary incorporates the terms that have become important in the vocabulary of environmental hydrogeology to do justice to these new developments. It is in part a revised and enlarged edition of "Elsevier's Dictionary of Hydrogeology" which was published in 1969. Approximately two thirds of the material in this dictionary is new. The terms covered deal with the geology of groundwater within the framework of the hydrologic cycle, geohydrology, contaminant hydrology, computer application to groundwater and subsurface pollution problems, environmental implications of groundwater use, regulatory aspects of groundwater protection, wellhead protection programs, interaction of groundwater systems with biogeochemical cycles, geochemistry of natural waters and contaminant chemistry, and water resources management. The group of readers for which this work is intended are: earth scientists (earth-surface processes, hydrology, groundwater geology, groundwater flow, contaminant hydrology); environmental engineers (waste management and disposal, remedial activities in contaminated sites, environmental protection strategies, monitoring of pollution); environmental regulators, legislators, administrators, and consulting engineers in hydrogeology and hydrology.