Originally published in this form in 1971, the content of this book was originally part of a larger composite volume 'Water, Earth and Man' (1969). This volume brings together the systematic theme of spatial aspects of the interactions between water occurrence and human activity.

Preface. Introduction R. J. Chorley and R. W. Kates 1. World Water Inventory and Control R. L. Nace 2. The Drainage Basin as an Historical Basis for Human Activity C. T. Smith 3. The Interaction of Precipitation and Man R. J. Chorley 4. Water and Crops Rosemary J. More 5. Primitive Irrigation Anne V. Kirkby 6. Overland Flow and Man M. A. Morgan 7. Human Use of Ground Water R. L. Nace 8. The Human Use of Open Channels Robert P. Beckinsale 9. Rivers as Political Boundaries Robert P. Beckinsale 10. The Economic and Social Implications of Snow and Ice J. Rooney 11. Human Response to Floods W. R. Derrick Sewell 12.Human Responses to River Regimes Robert P. Beckinsale 13. Long-term Trends in Water Use M. Simons 14. Choice in Water Use T. O'Riordan and Rosemary J. More