Dale Lightfoot
Qanat: Stream of Wells
Qanat: Stream of Wells
- Condition: Brand new
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- More about Qanat: Stream of Wells
Qanats are ancient underground aqueducts that provide water to villages and towns where surface water is scarce, with over 46,000 still flowing worldwide. Dale Lightfoot's comprehensive study sheds light on their locations, origins, history, ecology, and current status, making them a focus of renewed interest due to their sustainable nature.
Format: Hardback
Length: 880 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Qanats are a remarkable and often overlooked engineering marvel that have been used for thousands of years to provide water to communities in areas where natural water sources are scarce or non-existent. These underground aqueducts, which rely on gravity to transport water, have been found in many countries around the world, including the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Central Asia, China, India, Mexico, and South America. Despite their age, qanats continue to play a vital role in the lives of millions of people, providing a reliable source of water for drinking, irrigation, and other daily needs.
Qanats are engineered to transport water from high-altitude sources, such as mountains or springs, to lower-lying areas where it is needed. They are typically constructed by digging a series of vertical shafts, which are then connected by horizontal tunnels. The water flows through these tunnels by gravity, and the qanat system is designed to ensure that the water is distributed evenly throughout the community.
One of the key advantages of qanats is their sustainability. Unlike other water sources, such as rivers or lakes, qanats do not rely on rainfall or snowmelt. Instead, they rely on the natural flow of water through the earth, which is constant and reliable. This means that qanats can provide water even during periods of drought or low rainfall, making them a valuable resource in many parts of the world.
Qanats have a long history and have been used for various purposes throughout history. In ancient times, they were used to irrigate crops and provide water for drinking and bathing. In modern times, they are used to provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. Qanats are also used to provide water for livestock and to support tourism in many areas.
Despite their many benefits, qanats face several challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the degradation of the aquifer system. Over time, the water in the aquifer can become contaminated, which can make it unsafe for drinking and other uses. This can be caused by pollution, overuse, and other factors.
To address these challenges, many countries are investing in the restoration and protection of qanats. This includes the construction of new qanats, the repair of existing qanats, and the implementation of water management practices. In addition, many communities are working to promote the use of qanats as a sustainable source of water.
In conclusion, qanats are a remarkable and often overlooked engineering marvel that have been used for thousands of years to provide water to communities in areas where natural water sources are scarce or non-existent. Despite their age, qanats continue to play a vital role in the lives of millions of people, providing a reliable source of water for drinking, irrigation, and other daily needs. While qanats face several challenges, many countries are investing in the restoration and protection of qanats to ensure that they continue to be a valuable resource in the future.
Dimension: 244 x 169 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838602178
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