The Riverscape and the River

by Haslam, S. M.

• ISBN13: 9781107407473
• ISBN10: 1107407478
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-09-13
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

In this 2008 study Dr Haslam examines how the quantity, function and ecology of water changes as it moves from watershed to river. The development of river and riverscape, their ecology, the effect of human activities (such as water abstractions, flood control and management for recreational use) and water resources are described both in principle and using case histories. Contrasting examples are given from across the world, including Iceland, Hungary, Malta, Britain and the USA, which enables understanding of how water and riverscape interact with each other, and with human impact. The study, development and loss of water resources is also described, including the extreme example of Malta, whose clean water now depends solely on oil imports. This innovative book is written for graduate students and professionals interested in how water and riverscape interact.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

The natural river and its destruction

The natural riverscape and its modification

Resources I. Water resources and their loss

Development and variation of rivers

Development and variation of riverscapes

Building blocks of river vegetation

Building blocks of flood plain vegetation

Resources II. Plants and animals, cleaning and minerals

Building blocks of the riverscape

Patterns, boundaries and fragmentation

Resources III. Settlements and constructions

The harsh riverscape

The tempered or smiling riverscape

Envoi

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