Scotland is fortunate in being very richly endowed with natural fresh waters in the form of numerous lochs and rivers. These constitute on the one hand an attractive feature of the landscape and on the other a major resource for industry and recreation. Thus there are about 3800 lochs over4 ha in area and these form approximately 1.0% of the total surface area of Scotland. Com parable figures for England and Wales are 1700 lakes and 0.05% of the land surface, and in terms of volume. Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes and reservoirs in England and Wales put together (Smith & Lyle 1979). Many of the Scottish lochs are large and clean and consequently are particularly valuable in resource terms. The decision as to which are actually the largest lochs is debatable, particularly when the main criteria of greatest surface area, length, volume and depth each gives a different water (Lochs Lomond. Awe, Ness and Morar respectively). These four then are certainly among the largest lochs in the country, but close to them in size come several other large waters, among which is Loch Shiel- which is exceeded in length only by Lochs Awe, Ness and Lomond. These five very large lochs (Frontis piece) form the group of waters selected for the comparative studies described in this volume.

Loch Lomond has long held a special place in the hearts of all the people of Scotland not only for its historic significance but also for the beauty of its countryside. Less widely known is the ecological importance of the area. It is the largest stretch of freshwater in Britain and the only loch to be crossed by the Highland Boundary Fault, one of the country's most important geological features. The University of Glasgow has recognized the importance of this loch situated so near the main campus and has operated a field station on its shores since 1948. In the mid-1960s the field station was re-established at Rowardennan as an all-year-round facility with laboratory and living accommodation for resident research workers and visiting field courses. In 1992 a symposium was held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the new station and this volume presents the proceedings of that symposium and gives the state of the present knowledge of Loch Lomond. After an introduction to Loch Lomond, the papers are divided into three sections. Section I: The physical and chemical environment of Loch Lomond and its catchment. Section II: The biology and ecology of Loch Lomond and its catchment, and Section III: Issues affecting Loch Lomond and its catchment.

The Ecological Bases for Lake and Reservoir Management provides a state-of-the-art review of the range of ecologically-based techniques necessary for the holistic management of lakes and their catchments. Most of the methods, case studies and national policies reviewed are directed towards management of the largest problem - eutrophication - with the emphasis on the multiple-scale approach needed for successful management and restoration. Case studies come from the USA and ten European countries, and range from single lakes through to lake districts and national inventories. Several essays precede the practical chapters with thought-provoking comments on the political, social and economic climate of water management.

This describes the lifestyles of planktons and their adaptation for living independently of solid surfaces.

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, • Data handling • Future developments in hydrology and the pressures which generate them. Readership: hydrologists in both academia and a wide range of applied fields such as civil engineering, meteorology, geography and physics, as well as advanced students in earth science, environmental science and physical geography programmes worldwide.

The Hydrology of the UK assesses the changing hydrology of the UK, focusing on key issues that affect the fundamental hydrological processes and have important implications for water resource management, flood risk and environmental quality. The bookis divided into 3 sections: Section 1 examines the causes of change to the hydrology of the UK, including the impact of climate change, land use and geomorphological change, and dam construction. Section 2 assesses the effects of these pressures on UK rivers, goundwater, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and wetlands, looking at water quality, degradation, pollution and protection. Section 3 examines the responses of goverment organisations responsible for planning and management of water, including Environment Agencies, British Hydrological Society and the growing urgency for a World Hydrology Initiative. Change will continue to be a major feature of UK hydrology in the future. This book provides an understanding of the changing hydrology of the UK and the international scene today and looks to the needs for the future.