Since the initial publication in 1988 of Fluvial Processes in
Dryland Rivers, the book was and is foundational in synthesizing
river processes and forms in drylands - the semiarid, arid and
extremely arid portions of the earth's surface. It describes the
present understanding of dryland rivers, using a theoretical
framework with examples and results of research from many areas of
the world. The most important feature of the book is that it
presents the first organized review of knowledge about dryland
rivers. Information on practical management and planning is also
included. The book is unique in that it stresses the philosophical
and methodological aspects of geomorphologic research, rather than
merely reporting results. Scientists use the book as a review of
the literature and as a review of the intellectual development of
the field. Planners and decision makers in dryland regions use the
book as an entry to the science of geomorphology as applied to
dryland environments. "Will Graf's Fluvial Processes in Dryland
Rivers is a classic. It is well-conceived, comprehensive,
theoretical, yet practical, and deals well with both form and
process. Few environmental problems in drylands are independent of
fluvial processes and climatic variations, agriculture, increasing
urbanization, and water demands have all put new strains on
streams. The unavailability of Graf's book over the past decade has
been problematic to environmental analysts of all types, but
especially to hydrologists and fluvial geomorphologists engaged not
only in fluvial analysis, but also in fluvial restoration. Thus,
the reprinting of this book at a modest price is especially
welcome." Dr. Stanley W. Trimble, Professor, Geography Department,
UCLA Fluvial Processes in Dryland Rivers, while out of print for a
period of time, is certainly not out of date. It remains the
seminal overview of the complex dynamics of rivers in drylands. The
republication of this book by Blackburn Press is a welcome
development. The volume is an essential read for all fluvial
geomorphologists and for all geomorphologists interested in
drylands. In this book, William Graf shows how many of the concepts
developed for rivers in humid-temperate environments (e.g.,
hydraulic geometry, dominant discharge, magnitude-frequency
relations) must be fundamentally reconsidered to understand the
processes and forms associated with dryland rivers. By summarizing
a perspective that challenges the universality of traditional
"equilibrium" conceptions of river dynamics, Fluvial Processes in
Dryland Rivers not only has important theoretical content, but also
provides information relevant to the science of river management
and restoration, which currently (over?)emphasizes equilibrium
conceptions of river adjustment. Dr. Bruce L. Rhoads, Professor and
Head, Department of Geography, University of Illinois William L.
Graf is Educational Foundation University Professor and Professor
of Geography at the University of South Carolina. His specialties
include fluvial geomorphology and policy for public land and water,
with emphasis on river channel change, human impacts on river
processes and morphology, contaminant transport and storage in
river sediments, and the downstream impacts of large dams. Much of
his work has focused on dryland rivers. He has served as an officer
in the Geological Society of America, and is Past President of the
Association of American Geographers. In the area of public policy,
he has emphasized the interaction of science and decision-making,
and resolution of the conflict between economic development and
environmental preservation. He has published 124 papers, articles,
book chapters, and reports on geomorphology, riparian ecology,
river management, and the interaction between science and public
policy.
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