Large Rivers

Large Rivers: Geomorphology and Management explores an important topic in geomorphology and sedimentology: the form and function of major rivers. Our knowledge of the big rivers of the world is limited. It is currently difficult to recognise large rivers of the past from relict sedimentary deposits or to structure management policies for long international rivers. This volume brings together a substantial number of chapters on large rivers to form possibly the first structured introduction to this demanding subject. The distinguished contributors to Large Rivers have a long association with rivers of considerable dimensions. The book includes thirty chapters organised into three sections. The first part is on the environmental requirements for creating and maintaining a major river system. The second is a collection of case studies on 14 large rivers from different continents, covering a range of physical environments. The third section includes chapters on the measurement and management of large rivers. This comprehensive volume should be essential reading for postgraduate students and researchers in fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, sedimentary geology, and river management. It will be of relevance to engineers and environmental consultants in the private and public sectors working on major rivers of the world. Large Rivers is a pioneering study that hopefully will generate enough interest and controversy to push the boundaries of our knowledge related to big rivers. It may even contribute towards preventing their channels and basins from random or organised mismanagement.