Synopsis
The subject of the book is a synthesis of theoretical developments concerning river processes and forms in drylands - the semiarid, arid, and extremely arid portions of the earth's surface. The work 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 this book is that it represents the first organized review of the 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 may expect to use the work frequently as a guide to the literature, an intellectual review of previous ideas in the field, and an indication of where further work is needed. Planners and decision makers in dryland regions may expect to use the book as an entré to the science of geomorphology as applied to dryland environments.
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From the Publisher
Review: "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)
Review: "This book is an excellent summary of semiarid and arid landforms and dryland river morphology. It will be of interest and value not only to geomorphologists, but also to anyone concerned with the dynamics of drylands." (Dr. Stan Schumm)
About the Author
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.
He is principle author of Dam Removal: Science and Decision Making (in press), and is presently working on Dam the Consequences: The Effects of Dams on America's Rivers. He is a National Associate of the National Academy of Sciences, and at the National Research Council he has been a member of the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources, Water and Science Technology Board, Committee on Glen Canyon Environmental Studies, and Committee on Rediscovering Geography. He has also chaired the NAS/NRC Committee on Innovative Watershed Management, the Workshop to Advise the President's Council on Sustainable Development, and a committee to advise the U.S. Geological Survey on research priorities.
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