Elements of Physical Hydrology

By Jeffrey P. Raffensperger, Patricia L. Wiberg, George M. Hornberger

Book Overview

The science of physical hydrology centers on the physical principles involved in the study of the occurrence and movement of water on and beneath the earth's surface. Because of its far-reaching implications for other disciplines, physical hydrology is of interest to students in fields ranging from the environmental sciences to engineering, policy studies, and even law. In this introductory-level text the authors begin from the premise that the complexities of modern hydrology can be mastered by understanding basic physical principles of fluid movement. Focusing first on analysis at the scale of a single watershed, they then introduce the mechanics of fluids in closed conduits and open channels. They reevaluate catchment processes in light of fluid mechanics, open channel hydraulics, and groundwater flow. In a concluding chapter, they stress the importance of understanding water movement in the environment by exploring the relationship of hydrology to such disciplines as atmospheric science, ecology, and geology. Accompanying the book is a CD-ROM, which provides a Web version of the text (Netscape Navigator 2.0 or later required). Included are video demonstrations, additional content and interactive review questions, and extensive links to facilitate study and review. Instructions for using the Web version are included. Also on the CD-ROM are simulation tools to study hydrological processes (MATLAB student version 5.0 required).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801858577
• ISBN13: 9780801858574
• Release Date: May 1998
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.3" x 1.0" x 7.3"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Physical Hydrology

This book is perfect for the determinist hydrology. Some applications are joined to this book in a CD. Good luck for the water scientists.

Excellent book by any standard

This is a sort of elementary textbook, and should help biologists, chemists, environmentalists, and geologists to obtain fundamentals of hydraulics and hydrology. I am a professional hydrologist, but still enjoyed reading that book. The main value is in proper selection of the subjects, and exceptionally clear explanation. Reading other books, many a times I had a feeling that the author had not fully understood the subject. The authors of Elements of Physical Hydrology have a great talent to make any subject simple, and they know what they are talking about. Excellent book!

Cutting-edge technology textbook will set the trend for 2000

This book comes with an accompanying CD-ROM that contains the entire book, as well as powerful features that cannot be used within the constaints of paper and ink. Movies, appendices, internet links, and real-time mathematical models can be run in the context of a well-written text. Helpful interactive end-of-chapter Q/A sections and the ability to search though the text or automatically click linked words to see their definition in the gloassary is yet unparalelled in today's classrooms. A must have just for the approach to teaching!