Xavier Parsons

Handbook of Ecohydrology Xavier Parsons

Ecohydrology is concerned with the study of interactions between water and ecological systems. It is an interdisciplinary scientific field and a sub-discipline of hydrology that focuses on the ecological aspects. The interactions between water and ecological systems occur within the water bodies, like lakes and rivers. Such interactions can also occur on land, such as in forests, deserts and other terrestrial ecosystems. Ecohydrology focuses on different areas including, transpiration and plant water use, effects of vegetation and benthic plants on stream flow and adaptation of organisms to their water environment. Ecohydrology studies both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Its main focus in terrestrial ecosystems is on the interaction among vegetation, the vadose zone, land surface and the groundwater. In aquatic ecosystems it emphasizes on the effects of geomorphology, water chemistry and hydrology on the structure and function of the ecosystem. This book unravels the recent studies in the field of ecohydrology. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied branches that fall under this category. It will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.