River Dynamics

Rivers are important agents of change that shape the Earth's surface and evolve through time in response to fluctuations in climate and other environmental conditions. They are fundamental in landscape development, and essential for water supply, irrigation, and transportation. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the geomorphological processes that shape rivers and that produce change in the form of rivers. It explores how the dynamics of rivers are being affected by anthropogenic change, including climate change, dam construction, and modification of rivers for flood control and land drainage. It discusses how concern about environmental degradation of rivers has led to the emergence of management strategies to restore and naturalize these systems, and how river management techniques work best when coordinated with the natural dynamics of rivers. This textbook provides an excellent resource for students, researchers, and professionals in fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, river science, and environmental policy.

'River Dynamics represents a comprehensive and concise overview of contemporary knowledge of river process and form. The text is thoroughly illustrated with relevant photographs, drawings, and graphs, and the referencing is thorough and up to date. Rhoads is skilled at providing clear explanations of complex phenomena and the book includes just enough historical perspective to allow the reader to understand the background for contemporary conceptualizations of rivers. The book starts with a thorough discussion of basic information on river process and form, and then discusses river management in a manner that effectively integrates basic and applied science. This book will provide an engaging textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses, and a resource for river-management professionals.' Ellen Wohl, Colorado State University

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