Groundwater around the World


Book Description

This book presents a unique and up-to-date summary of what is known about groundwater on our planet, from a global perspective and in terms of area-specific factual information. Unlike most textbooks on groundwater, it does not deal with theoretical principles, but rather with the overall picture that emerges as a result of countless observations,




Valuing Ground Water


Book Description

Because water in the United State has not been traded in markets, there is no meaningful estimate of what it would cost if it were traded. But failing to establish ground water's valueâ€"for in situ uses such as sustaining wetlands as well as for extractive uses such as agricultureâ€"will lead to continued overuse and degradation of the nation's aquifers. In Valuing Ground Water an interdisciplinary committee integrates the latest economic, legal, and physical knowledge about ground water and methods for valuing this resource, making it comprehensible to decision-makers involved in Superfund cleanup efforts, local wellhead protection programs, water allocation, and other water-related management issues. Using the concept of total economic value, this volume provides a framework for calculating the economic value of ground water and evaluating tradeoffs between competing uses of it. Included are seven case studies where ground-water valuation has been or could be used in decisionmaking. The committee examines trends in ground-water management, factors that contribute to its value, and issues surrounding ground-water allocation and legal rights to its use. The book discusses economic valuation of natural resources and reviews several valuation methods. Presenting conclusions, recommendations, and research priorities, Valuing Ground Water will be of interest to those concerned about ground-water issues: policymakers, regulators, economists, attorneys, researchers, resource managers, and environmental advocates.




Groundwater Allocation


Book Description

Groundwater allocation determines who is able to use groundwater resources, how, when and where. It directly affects the value (economic, ecological, socio-cultural) that individuals and society obtain from groundwater, today and in the future. Building on the 2015 OECD publication Water Resources Allocation: Sharing Risks and Opportunities, this report focuses on groundwater and how its allocation can be improved in terms of economic efficiency, environmental effectiveness and social equity. Drawing on an analysis of groundwater's distinctive features and nine case studies of groundwater allocation in a range of countries, the report provides practical policy guidance for groundwater allocation in the form of a "health check". This health check can be used to assess the performance of current arrangements and manage the transition towards improved allocation.




Groundwater Hydrology


Book Description




The Art of Finding Springs, 2nd Edition


Book Description

Abbé Paramelle (1790-1875) published The Art of Finding Springs in 1856 as a how-to manual for finding groundwater. Paramelle began his field research into springs on a karst plateau in southwestern France. Between 1833 and 1854, upon request, Paramelle explored 40 of France's departments and found groundwater in 10,000 places based on his observational method, which used geology and geomorphology, at a time when these sciences were in their infancy. Paramelle's method was used until the 1970s to find groundwater in the French Department of Lot. Although the book was translated into German and Spanish in the mid-1800s, this is the first English translation. The translator has included detailed notes and an introduction providing extensive historical background about this largely unknown hydrogeologist.




The Ganges River Basin


Book Description

The Ganges is one of the most complex yet fascinating river systems in the world. The basin is characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity from climatic, hydrological, geomorphological, cultural, environmental and socio-economic perspectives. More than 500 million people are directly or indirectly dependent upon the Ganges River Basin, which spans China, Nepal, India and Bangladesh. While there are many books covering one aspect of the Ganges, ranging from hydrology to cultural significance, this book is unique in presenting a comprehensive inter-disciplinary overview of the key issues and challenges facing the region. Contributors from the three main riparian nations assess the status and trends of water resources, including the Himalayas, groundwater, pollution, floods, drought and climate change. They describe livelihood systems in the basin, and the social, economic, geopolitical and institutional constraints, including transboundary disputes, to achieving productive, sustainable and equitable water access. Management of the main water-use sectors and their inter-linkages are reviewed, as well as the sustainability and trade-offs in conservation of natural systems and resource development such as for hydropower or agriculture.




Ground Water Vulnerability Assessment


Book Description

Since the need to protect ground water from pollution was recognized, researchers have made progress in understanding the vulnerability of ground water to contamination. Yet, there are substantial uncertainties in the vulnerability assessment methods now available. With a wealth of detailed information and practical advice, this volume will help decision-makers derive the most benefit from available assessment techniques. It offers: Three laws of ground water vulnerability. Six case studies of vulnerability assessment. Guidance for selecting vulnerability assessments and using the results. Reviews of the strengths and limitations of assessment methods. Information on available data bases, primarily at the federal level. This book will be indispensable to policymakers and resource managers, environmental professionals, researchers, faculty, and students involved in ground water issues, as well as investigators developing new assessment methods.










Groundwater Resources of the World and Their Use


Book Description

This monograph represents many years of groundwater data accumulation by a large number of noted hydrogeologists located throughout the world. It represents a multicultural approach to groundwater resources and their use. As a result, many of the fundamental concepts in hydrogeology are interpreted slightly differently in other countries. In fact, there are a number of hydrogeologic phenomena introduced that for the most part have not been presented internationally. Since various cultures review the science of hydrogeology with their own nuances, a substantial effort was made to provide classic references in the science of hydrogeology. The focus of the monograph was to present data and scientific principals, which are relevant to groundwater use in each of the countries. This monograph represents a major undertaking by hydrologists and hydrogeologists around the world. Although the fundamental groundwater resource data may change slowly over time, the groundwater use data is rapidly changing. Consulting hydrogeologists, engineers, chemists, geologists, biologists, health officials, and government environmental administrators will find this baseline document of substantial value. It is fully anticipated that this book will serve as the first addition of a series on groundwater resources of the world and their use.