Forest Hydrology: Processes, Management and Assessment

Forests cover about a third of the world's land surface area. They represent a distinct biotic community, provide a living for many millions of people, and provide fresh water to sustain communities. Forests capture part of the precipitation and pass the remainder into the soil. Some of this is then passed back to the atmosphere along with some to streams as a regulated outflow. Forest cover is generally the preferred land-use for clean water supplies, recreation, tourism, and other ecosystem benefits around the world. In many cases the value of the water exceeds the value of other forest products. The discipline "forest hydrology" was developed in the 19th and 20th Century with the aim of putting such water cycling processes into a scientific framework incorporating forest watershed management. The 21st Century has seen proliferations of new technologies that have changed society, our living environment, and this discipline. Forests are also facing unprecedented threats from land conversion, fire, drought, and the changing climate. The discipline of forest hydrology must address these issues with innovation and new ideas. This book is essential reading for graduate students, professionals, land managers, practitioners, and researchers with a good understanding of the basic principles of hydrology and hydrologic processes. Read more