Palaeohydrology In Practice

The studies collected in this volume were conducted as part of the International Geological Correlation Program, organized to encourage research devoted to identifying and assessing the earth's natural resources and improving the state of our environment. Representing current research in the field, this volume looks at several aspects of water as a natural resource and how natural and engineered water systems interact with the surrounding environment. Its major focus is on the environmental evolution of hydrological systems, their formation and changes over time, and the impact of human activity on such changes. Coverage includes an analysis of climatic change in Central Britain over the past millenium; the palaeoecology of the Severn Basin during the late Quaternary Age; prehistoric irrigation practices in the Severn Basin; and an overview of the evolution of European rivers. The discussions offered here are intended to provide clues to possible approaches for preserving and improving the earth's environment and to extend models of environmental change in order to illuminate what to expect in the future.

The Times (Obituaries, 4 August 2008) reported that “John Thornes was one of the most eminent and influential physical geographers of his generation.” John’s keen interest in understanding landform processes and evolution was furthered through a variety of methods and informed across a range of disciplinary boundaries. In particular he pushed for better integration of monitoring, theoretical and simulation modelling, field and laboratory experimentation and remote sensing techniques. Although dominated by an interest in the Mediterranean region and problems of land degradation, his research activities ranged across a number of time scales and with other environmental perspectives. This collection of papers reflects this wide range of John’s interests through the recent work of scientists and professionals most strongly influenced by his rigorous training or leadership. The thematic focus of the book, which runs through all of the main contributions, is the integration of different methodologies and the application of this approach to improved understanding of natural systems and the development of appropriate strategies for environmental and resource management. Short overviews of John’s contributions to geomorphological research are also presented to provide context for the origins of this book.

Philosophers, writers and scientists, from cell biologists to ecologists, have long recognized the special nature of boundaries and interface areas of all kinds. Among ecologists in particular, there has been an upsurge in interest in the sensitive boundary areas of interaction between ecosystems, which are called 'ecotones' and which are often characterized by higher biological diversity than adjacent areas.

The expert contributors to this cutting edge volume provide an overview of geomorphological process activity and landscape change in Britain over the past 1000 years. The range of the book is unusually broad, encompassing hillslope, valley floor and floodplain, fluvial, estuarine and coastal processes. Provides an overview of geomorphological process activity and landscape change in Britain over the past 1000 years. The range of the book is unusually broad, encompassing hillslope, valley floor and floodplain, fluvial, estuarine and coastal processes. Considers the relevance of technological and conceptual approaches to understanding landscape dynamics. Examines key process environments highlighting significant trends and the influence of human activity, and incorporating examples and modelling. Encourages geographers to look forward to the challenges that geomorphology faces in the new millennium. Find out more information about the RGS-IBG journals by following the links below: AREA: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0004-0894 The Geographical Journal: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0016-7398 Transactions of the Insititute of British Geographers: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0020-2754

Palaeohydrology is the study of changes in the waters of the Earth prior to continuous monitoring. Knowledge of these changes is important for the understanding of past and present environmental changes and of the form of the present-day environment. The evolution of the hydrological cycle in response to climatic change produces a chain of environmental and human consequences -- factors that are becoming more relevant as climate change is predicted. Evidence of past environmental changes may be used to validate models with which to predict future change -- thus the study of rates, mechanisms and processes of Late Quaternary hydrological changes is of critical importance. This volume is designed for all who are interested in the hydrological impacts of climatic change and the contribution that palaeohydrology can make to the study of these changes.

The Hydrology of the UK assesses the changing hydrology of the UK, focusing on key issues that affect the fundamental hydrological processes and have important implications for water resource management, flood risk and environmental quality. The bookis divided into 3 sections: Section 1 examines the causes of change to the hydrology of the UK, including the impact of climate change, land use and geomorphological change, and dam construction. Section 2 assesses the effects of these pressures on UK rivers, goundwater, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and wetlands, looking at water quality, degradation, pollution and protection. Section 3 examines the responses of goverment organisations responsible for planning and management of water, including Environment Agencies, British Hydrological Society and the growing urgency for a World Hydrology Initiative. Change will continue to be a major feature of UK hydrology in the future. This book provides an understanding of the changing hydrology of the UK and the international scene today and looks to the needs for the future.