Summary
Contents
Subject index
This unique addition to reference literature provides an introduction to the major concepts and contemporary issues that are essential for students of environmental science and environmental studies to know. With over 200 entries authored by world-class names like Anthony Brazel, John Day and Edward Keller, this text is divided into six sections: Environmental Science, Environments, Paradigms & Concepts, Processes & Dynamics, Scales & Techniques, and Environmental Issues.
Hydrology
Hydrology
Is the study of the different forms of water, their distribution and circulation in the natural environment. Although the science is as old as the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Sumeria and Babylon it was not until the 17th century that key contributions established modern hydrology. Bernard Palissy in 1580 had the first modern understanding of the process of runoff, Pierre Perrault in 1694 showed for the first time that rainfall can sustain river flow, and this established the catchment or drainage basin as the unit of analysis. From these foundations the hydrological cycle covering the continuous movement of all forms of water (liquid, solid and vapour) on, in and above the earth, driven by the sun's radiant energy, was established as a central concept ...
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