This volume provides essential information on the origin and evolution of Greek rivers as well
as their ecological and anthropogenic characteristics. The topics covered include geomythology
biogeography hydrology hydrobiology hydrogeochemistry geological and biogeochemical
processes anthropogenic pressures and ecological impacts water management - both in the
antiquity and today - and river restoration. The book is divided into four parts the first of
which explores the importance of rivers for ancient Greek civilization and the natural
processes affecting their evolution during the Holocene. In the second part the hydrological
hydrochemical and biological features of Greek rivers and the unique biogeographical
characteristics that form the basis for their high biodiversity and endemism are highlighted
while the third part comprehensively discusses the impacts of environmental pollution on the
structure and function of Greek river ecosystems. In turn thefinal part describes the current
socio-economic factors in Greece that are affecting established water management practices the
application of ecohydrological approaches in restoring fragmented rivers and the lessons
learned from restoring aquatic ecosystems in general as a paradigm for understanding and
minimizing anthropogenic impacts on water resources at the Mediterranean scale. Given the
breadth and depth of its coverage the book offers an invaluable source of information for
researchers students and environmental managers alike.
