Introduction To Physical Hydrology

Introduction to Physical Hydrology explores the principal rules that govern the flow of water by considering the four major types of water: atmospheric, ground, soil, and surface. It gives insights into the major hydrological processes, and shows how the principles of physical hydrology inform our understanding of climate and global hydrology.

Introduction to Physical Hydrology explores the principal rules that govern the flow of water by considering the four major types of water: atmospheric, ground, soil, and surface. It gives insights into the major hydrological processes, and shows how the principles of physical hydrology inform our understanding of climate and global hydrology.

The most cogent textbook ever produced on the topic, this revised and expanded edition will be welcomed by students and professionals alike. Among the many diverse aspects of environmental science, none is more critical to the future of society and nature than water. Understanding the role of water on Earth and making good decisions regarding water conservation and hydrological hazards depends on learning the fundamentals of physical hydrology. This textbook, now in an expanded second edition, provides the clearest opportunity for students to absorb those fundamentals. Written at an introductory level, Elements of Physical Hydrology covers virtually every aspect of this subject, including: • The hydrological cycle • Water budgets at catchment to global scales • Spatial and temporal aspects of precipitation • Evapotranspiration • Fluid dynamics and the Bernoulli equation • Laminar and turbulent flows • Open channel flow • Flood movement through reservoirs and channels • Flood frequency analysis • Groundwater flow • Aquifer characterization • Land subsidence • Soil moisture dynamics • Flow in the unsaturated zone • Hydrologic controls on vegetation • Biotic controls on hydrological processes • Runoff generation from surface and subsurface sources • Catchment models • The water-food-energy nexus • The globalization of water • Impacts of changing climate Layering one topic upon the next, Elements of Physical Hydrology succeeds in moving from simple, easy-to-grasp explanations through equations and models in a manner that will leave students new to the topic eager to apply their knowledge. Professionals in related disciplines will also find this book ideal for self-study. Thoughtfully illustrated, carefully written, and covering a broad spectrum of topics, this classic text clarifies a subject that is often misunderstood and oversimplified.

The third edition of Fundamentals of Hydrology provides an absorbing and comprehensive introduction to the understanding of how fresh water moves on and around the planet and how humans affect and manage the freshwater resources available to them. The book consists of three parts, each of fundamental importance in the understanding of hydrology: The first section deals with processes within the hydrological cycle, our understanding of them, and how to measure and estimate the amount of water within each process. This also includes an analysis of how each process impacts upon water quality issues. The second section is concerned with the measurement and analytical assessment of important hydrological parameters such as streamflow and water quality. It describes analytical and modelling techniques used by practising hydrologists in the assessment of water resources. The final section of the book draws together the first two parts to discuss the management of freshwater with respect to both water quality and quantity in a changing world. Fundamentals of Hydrology is a lively and accessible introduction to the study of hydrology at university level. It gives undergraduates a thorough understanding of hydrological processes, knowledge of the techniques used to assess water resources, and an up-to-date overview of water resource management. Throughout the text, examples and case studies from all around the world are used to clearly explain ideas and techniques. Essay questions, guides to further reading, and website links are also included.

Originally published in this form in 1971, the content of this book was originally part of a larger composite volume ‘Water, Earth and Man’ (1969) which provided a synthesis of hydrology, geomorphology and socio-economic geography. This volume brings together the systematic theme of physical hydrology while maintaining a link with the original book which emphasised the benefit of the study of water being considered in the widest sense within the physical and social environments.