Hydrology is vital to human civilisations as well as to natural ecosystems, yet it has only emerged as a distinct scientific discipline during the last 50 years or so. This book reviews the development of modern hydrology primarily through the experiences of the multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers at Wallingford, near Oxford, who have been at the forefront of many of the developments in UK hydrological research. These topics include:

• The development of basic understanding through the collection of data with specialised instrumentation in experimental basins
• The study of extreme flows - both floods and droughts
• The role moisture in the soil
• Studies of the processes controlling evaporation
• Water resource studies
• Modelling and prediction of the extremes of flow improved
• Understanding of water quality issues
• A widening recognition of the importance of an ecosystem approach
• Meeting the challenges of climate change,