Applied Principles of Hydrology

Less than 1% of the Earth’s water is available for human use, the average family uses 400 gallons of water daily, and expected population growth means an increase in water use. The study of hydrology—how water behaves as it moves through the water cycle—is vital to reducing strains on our water supply and infrastructure. Written for those who want to understand hydrologic principles without a background in mathematics, Manning’s basic water science text begins with the physical and chemical attributes that make water a unique substance and proceeds with a step-by-step discussion of the water cycle. Scientific principles are illustrated by real-world examples, while “investigations” sections offer practical suggestions for making measurements and/or interpretations of hydrological variables in the local environment and for applying principles discussed in the text. This well-structured, reader-friendly text benefits not only students in elementary hydrology courses, but also those studying broader areas of natural resources, ecology, geography, and urban planning.