Running Down: Water in a Changing Land

"WATERalways running downacross landscapes, through the eons and the ages, carving creases and wrinkles on the face of ancient continents. Life-giving, the essential resource for survival of Earth as a Living Planetyet running down, degrading, under our selfish human stewardship ... In Australia, the driest vegetated continent, water is the most precious resource and how we manage it will determine the future prospects of the nation. RUNNING DOWN Water in a Changing Land gives a deep-time perspective to the story of the co-evolution of water resources, the environment and the animal and plant life it supports. It sets the scene for an understanding of the geological history of the continent, the past history and the modern status of its water systems, and the impact of European land use and activities on our two main life-support systemswater and soil. Sustainable management of our land and water resources can only be achieved if the ancient history of the continent is taken into a