Authoritative and comprehensive reference on the potential for watershed development through the use of check dams

Check Dam Construction for Sustainable Watershed Management and Planning summarizes current knowledge of check dams as key soil and water conservation structures in some of the most sensitive and vulnerable ecosystems in the world, as exemplified by the Mediterranean area and the Chinese Loess Plateau, providing detailed information on check dam design and watershed planning, the use of advanced modeling techniques, challenges in dam construction and how to overcome them.

The work integrates decades of research in the field of soil and water conservation and gully management, including advanced studies in the field of check dam construction and watershed management. It also covers important new techniques and methods, such as hydrological modeling, isotope tracing, and more.

To aid in reader comprehension, the five highly qualified authors have divided the work into three distinct sections. Sections I and II focus on the experiences gained from the erosion hotspots in the Chinese Loess Plateau, whereas Section III expands the scope to other regions with different functions for check dams, including headwater ecosystems and alpine environments.

Sample topics covered in Check Dam Construction for Sustainable Watershed Management and Planning include:

• The regulating effect of check dam systems on sediment redistribution and the formation and development of dam systems in small watersheds
• Water and soil conservation made possible by check dam construction and sediment source analysis of water-sediment retarding effects of check dams
• The regulation of check dam systems on the erosion dynamic process and the mechanism of erosion reduction by check dams
• Flood control risk assessment on warping dam systems and the development and utilization model of check dam systems

With its systematic coverage of all aspects of dam construction and maintenance, Check Dam Construction for Sustainable Watershed Management and Planning supports decision making by local authorities and can also be used as a professional guide for ecologists, hydrologists, and water resource managers.