The Hydrology of the UK : A Study of Change

Water, and its movement through the hydrological cycle, are crucial to keeping our planet fit for life.

There is probably more known about the hydrology of the UK than of any other country; UK policies and actions are at the fore of international attention.

As the hydrology of the UK changes, the institutions responsible for policy, research and management have had to adapt to ensure that development of our water is carried out in an environemntally sustainable manner, balancing the direct needs of people with needs for a healthy environment.

The Hydrology of the UK assesses the changing hydrology of the UK, focusing on key issues that affect the fundamental hydrological processes adn have important implications for water resource management, flood risk and environmental quality. THe book is divided into 3 sections: the opening section examines the causes of change to the hydrology of the UK, including the impact of climate change, land use, geomorphological change and dam construction; the second assesses the effects of these pressures on UK rivers, groundwater, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and wetlands, looking at water quality, degredation, pollution, and protection; and the final section examines the responses of government organisations, including environment agencies, responsible for planning and management of water, the British Hydrological Society and the growing urgency for a World Hyrology Initiative.