California Rivers and Streams: The Conflict Between Fluvial Process and Land Use [Paperback]

Jeffrey F. Mount (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 8, 1995

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.

Editorial Reviews

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) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; First Edition edition (November 8, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520202503
• ISBN-13: 978-0520202504
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #377,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on how rivers work, not just for California., March 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: California Rivers and Streams: The Conflict Between Fluvial Process and Land Use (Paperback)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the layman interested rivers & the environment, March 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: California Rivers and Streams: The Conflict Between Fluvial Process and Land Use (Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great review of how rivers work with a sense of humor, April 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: California Rivers and Streams: The Conflict Between Fluvial Process and Land Use (Paperback)

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.