The Aquatic Environment

Abstract

In many parts of the world, the changing weather patterns of the 1980s certainly focussed attention much more on the importance of fresh water. In times of drought, not only were lakes and rivers shallower than normal but reservoirs were lower, crops were poorer, gardens were drier and cars were dirtier as a result. Yet elsewhere, or at another time of year, exceptionally heavy rainfalls have created havoc with flooding and subsequent damage to people and property.