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 though 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.

A scientifically rigorous text grounded in socioeconomic reality that examines both physical hydrology and contemporary water usage issues. The fair allocation and wise use of fresh water presents significant challenges across the world. To avoid unresolvable crises in the future, judiciously managing water resources in the twenty-first century is fundamentally important. Integrating the underlying science of hydrology with real-world usage scenarios, Water Resources offers a nuanced, modern treatment of contemporary water resource management issues. In this ground-breaking new text, renowned environmental scientist and educator George M. Hornberger and award-winning environmental engineer Debra Perrone examine the role of water resources in natural, social, and human-built systems, helping students understand and evaluate the complex tradeoffs required to achieve sustainable water management. Providing a much-needed educational tool that looks at freshwater resources within the context of the crucial water-energy-food nexus, the text * includes a primer on the elements of physical hydrology necessary to understand resource availability; * covers rivers, lakes, groundwater, and soil water; * relates water to agriculture, energy, urbanization, and the environment; * highlights connections between water quantity and quality; * explains the economic and legal constraints around water resources; * considers the impacts of climate change and population growth; and * proposes paths forward for the sustainable use of water. Teaching basic methods used to make informed water management decisions, the book includes illustrative quantitative calculations, qualitative think-pieces, and case studies. An appendix provides a review of units, dimensions, and conversions useful for addressing each chapter's example problems. Online answer keys are also available. Positioned to become the foremost text on water resource issues, this companion to Hornberger's widely regarded Elements of Physical Hydrology reveals the enormity of the water crisis facing the planet while offering realistic hope.

The science of physical hydrology centers on the physical principles involved in the study of the occurrence and movement of water on and beneath the earth's surface. Because of its far-reaching implications for other disciplines, physical hydrology is of interest to students in fields ranging from the environmental sciences to engineering, policy studies, and even law.

In this introductory-level text the authors begin from the premise that the complexities of modern hydrology can be mastered by understanding basic physical principles of fluid movement. Focusing first on analysis at the scale of a single watershed, they then introduce the mechanics of fluids in closed conduits and open channels. They re-evaluate catchment processes in light of fluid mechanics, open channel hydraulics, and groundwater flow. In a concluding chapter, they stress the importance of understanding water movement in the environment by exploring the relationship of hydrology to such disciplines as atmospheric science, ecology, and geology.

Accompanying the book is a CD-ROM, which provides a Web version of the text (Netscape Navigator 2.0 or later required). Included are video demonstrations, additional content and interactive review questions, and extensive links to facilitate study and review. Instructions for using the Web version are included. Also on the CD-ROM are simulation tools to study hydrological processes (MATLAB student version 5.0 required).