This accessible new textbook provides a thorough introduction toall aspects of groundwater systems and their management. Usingstraightforward language and analogies to everyday experiences, itexplains the origins, nature, and behavior of subsurface waterwithout resorting to complicated mathematics. Groundwater in the Environment draws on case studies andcutting-edge research from around the world, giving a uniqueinsight into groundwater occurring in a wide range of differentclimate zones and geological settings. This book: provides a robust, practical introduction to groundwaterquality, and a succinct summary of modern remedial technologies forpolluted groundwaters explores how groundwater fits into the wider naturalenvironment, especially in relation to freshwater ecosystems considers the vulnerability of groundwater systems and theeffects of pollution, climate change, land-use change, andoverexploitation examines human dependence on water and the effect that this hason groundwater systems presents vivid examples of geohazards associated with groundwaters explains the whys and wherefores of groundwater modeling examines competing philosophies of groundwater management,making the case for approaches which take social, economic andecological issues into account. Goundwater in the Environment provides an up-to-date,essential introduction for undergraduate students of environmentalsciences, geography and geology. It will also be invaluable toprofessionals working in various fields of natural resourcemanagement who need accessible information on groundwater but whoare reluctant to read conventional texts full of mathematicalnotation. For practicing hydrogeologists and engineers withoutformal training in freshwater ecology, this book provides a `crashcourse' in the new frontiers of groundwater management. Artwork from the book is available to instructors online at ahref="http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/younger"www.blackwellpublishing.com/younger/a.An Instructor manual CD-ROM for this title is available. Pleasecontact our Higher Education team at ahref="mailto:[email protected]"[email protected]/afor more information.

The aim of this book is to document for the first time the dimensions and requirements of effective integrated groundwater management (IGM). Groundwater management is a formidable challenge, one that remains one of humanity’s foremost priorities. It has become a largely non-renewable resource that is overexploited in many parts of the world. In the 21st century, the issue moves from how to simply obtain the water we need to how we manage it sustainably for future generations, future economies, and future ecosystems. The focus then becomes one of understanding the drivers and current state of the groundwater resource, and restoring equilibrium to at-risk aquifers. Many interrelated dimensions, however, come to bear when trying to manage groundwater effectively. An integrated approach to groundwater necessarily involves many factors beyond the aquifer itself, such as surface water, water use, water quality, and ecohydrology. Moreover, the science by itself can only define the fundamental bounds of what is possible; effective IGM must also engage the wider community of stakeholders to develop and support policy and other socioeconomic tools needed to realize effective IGM. In order to demonstrate IGM, this book covers theory and principles, embracing: 1) an overview of the dimensions and requirements of groundwater management from an international perspective; 2) the scale of groundwater issues internationally and its links with other sectors, principally energy and climate change; 3) groundwater governance with regard to principles, instruments and institutions available for IGM; 4) biophysical constraints and the capacity and role of hydroecological and hydrogeological science including water quality concerns; and 5) necessary tools including models, data infrastructures, decision support systems and the management of uncertainty. Examples of effective, and failed, IGM are given. Throughout, the importance of the socioeconomic context that connects all effective IGM is emphasized. Taken as a whole, this work relates the many facets of effective IGM, from the catchment to global perspective.