The riverscape and the river / S.M. Haslam.

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

1. Introduction -- 2. Natural river and its destruction -- 3. Natural riverscape and its modification -- 4. Resources I. Water resources and their loss -- 5. Development and variation of rivers -- 6. Development and variation of riverscapes -- 7. Building blocks of river vegetation -- 8. Building blocks of flood plain vegetation -- 9. Resources II. Plants and animals, cleaning and minerals -- 10. Building blocks of the riverscape -- 11. Patterns, boundaries and fragmentation -- 12. Resources III. Settlements and constructions -- 13. Harsh riverscape -- 14. Tempered or smiling riverscape -- 15. Envoi.

In this 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.