Page 12 - Hydrogeology Principles and Practice

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Preface

In embarking on writing this book on the principles including fundamental material in physical, chemical,
and practice of hydrogeology, I have purposely environmental isotope and contaminant hydrogeo-
aimed to reflect the development of hydrogeology as logy together with practical techniques of ground-
a science and its relevance to the environment. As a water investigation, development and protection, the
science, hydrogeology requires an interdisciplinary content of this book should appeal to students and
approach with applications to water resources inves- practising professionals in hydrogeology and envir-
tigations, pollution studies and environmental man- onmental management. Much of the material con-
agement. The skills of hydrogeologists are required tained here is informed by my own research interests
as much by scientists and engineers as by planners in hydrogeology and also from teaching undergra-
and decision-makers. Within the current era of integ- duate and postgraduate courses in hydrology and
rated river basin management, the chance to combine hydrogeology within the context of environmental
hydrogeology with wider catchment or watershed sciences. This experience is reflected in the choice of
issues, including the challenge of adapting to climate case studies, both European and international, used
change, has never been greater. Hence, to equip to illustrate the many aspects of hydrogeology and its
students to meet these and future challenges, the connection with the natural and human environments.
purpose of this book is to demonstrate the principles
of hydrogeology and illustrate the importance of Kevin Hiscock
groundwater as a finite and vulnerable resource. By University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK