Flooding and Management of Large Fluvial Lowlands: A Global Environmental Perspective

This book examines human impacts on lowland rivers and discusses how these changes affect different types of riverine environments and flood processes. It provides a primary focus on the lower Rhine River in the Netherlands and the Lower Mississippi River in Louisiana, and discusses geo-engineering in a straight-forward writing style that is accessible to a broad audience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Over the past two decades, significant pressure has been exerted on large fluvial lowlands due to factors such as flood control measures, urbanization, and a growing reliance on floodplains and deltas for food production. This book delves into the examination of human impacts on lowland rivers, exploring how these alterations influence diverse riverine environments and flood processes. Spanning a global scale, it primarily focuses on two notable rivers: the Lower Rhine River in the Netherlands and the Lower Mississippi River in Louisiana. A central theme of the book revolves around geo-engineering, which is presented in a clear and accessible manner suitable for a wide range of advanced students, researchers, and practitioners engaged in the fields of global environmental change, fluvial geomorphology, sedimentology, and flood and water management.

The Lower Rhine River in the Netherlands serves as a focal point of the book, providing a comprehensive examination of its historical, ecological, and hydrological characteristics. The authors explore the various human activities that have shaped the river, including dam construction, water management practices, and land use changes. They also discuss the ecological implications of these interventions, including impacts on riverine biodiversity, sediment transport, and water quality.

In contrast, the Lower Mississippi River in Louisiana is used as a case study to examine the challenges and opportunities associated with managing a large river in a highly urbanized and industrialized setting. The authors highlight the complex interplay between flood control, navigation, and environmental protection in this region. They discuss the implementation of various flood control measures, such as levees and reservoirs, and their effects on both the river and the surrounding communities.

Throughout the book, the authors employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from various fields such as geography, hydrology, ecology, and engineering. They use a range of analytical tools, including statistical analysis, modeling, and field observations, to examine the impacts of human activities on lowland rivers and to propose sustainable management strategies.

One of the key strengths of the book is its accessibility to a broad audience, including students, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of environmental science, engineering, and management. The authors provide a clear and concise writing style that simplifies complex concepts and makes the material engaging and relevant. They also include numerous examples and case studies to illustrate their points and to help readers better understand the practical applications of the research.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of human impacts on lowland rivers and the development of sustainable management strategies. By examining the case studies of the Lower Rhine River and the Lower Mississippi River, it provides insights into the complex interplay between human activities, riverine environments, and flood processes. The multidisciplinary approach employed by the authors ensures that the material is accessible to a broad audience, and the clear writing style makes it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners alike.

Weight: 1170g
Dimension: 286 x 221 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780521768603