Product Description

California Rivers and Streams provides a clear and informative overview of the physical and biological processes that shape California's rivers and watersheds. Jeffrey Mount introduces relevant basic principles of hydrology and geomorphology and applies them to an understanding of the differences in character of the state's many rivers. He then builds on this foundation by evaluating the impact on waterways of different land use practices--logging, mining, agriculture, flood control, urbanization, and water supply development.
Water may be one of California's most valuable resources, but it is far from being one we control. In spite of channels, levees, lines and dams, the state's rivers still frequently flood, with devastating results. Almost all the rivers in California are dammed or diverted; with the booming population, there will be pressure for more intervention.
Mount argues that Californians know little about how their rivers work and, more importantly, how and why land-use practices impact rivers. The forceful reconfiguration and redistribution of the rivers has already brought the state to a critical crossroads. California Rivers and Streams forces us to reevaluate our use of the state's rivers and offers a foundation for participating in the heated debates about their future.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #631269 in Books
• Published on: 1995-11-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 376 pages

From the Inside Flap
"A thinking person's guide to the physical processes behind the problems of managing California's rivers in a flowing historical narrative style that's a pleasure to read."--Peter M. Sadler, University of California, Riverside

From the Back Cover
"A thinking person's guide to the physical processes behind the problems of managing California's rivers in a flowing historical narrative style that's a pleasure to read." (Peter M. Sadler, University of California, Riverside)

About the Author
Jeffrey F. Mount is Professor of Geology at the University of California, Davis. Janice C. Fong is Principal Illustrator in the Department of Geology at the University of California, Davis.

Customer Reviews

Best book on how rivers work, not just for California.
I am a hydrologist and a water lawyer practicing in Washington DC -- this is the book I give to clients and friends to explain how rivers work and what people do to them. It assumes an intelligent reader but no background is required to get the main points. While its title and focus is California, the lessons are applicable throughout the country. Great book.

Great for the layman interested rivers & the environment
This book is perfect for the layperson interested in rivers as part of the world around us. Explains the mechanics of how rivers work and how they shape the environment around. Describes how and why rivers don't do what we want them to, even when we spend millions on extensive diversions and flood control. Jeff Mounts great sense of humor makes the subject alive and interesting what is often presented as dry and acedemic.

Great review of how rivers work with a sense of humor
This is a subperb review of how rivers systems work and how man-made changes effect these systems. Perfect for the interested layperson interested in earth science. The second half of this book covers the major watersheds of California.