International Collaborations and Incorporating the Social Sciences in Research in Hydrology and Hydrologic Engineering
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 13, Issue 1
Abstract
We explore the need for the groundwater research community to take a leadership role in interdisciplinary studies of groundwater resources involving colleagues in the social sciences and humanities. The discussion is founded on recognition that technical research in groundwater hydrology has produced dramatic gains in our understanding of flow and transport in groundwater systems and has resulted in substantial benefit in terms of standard of living, protection of the environment, and remediation of groundwater systems. It is argued, however, that consideration solely of the technical aspects has proved inadequate to address some significant, unmet needs involving the development/management of groundwater resources. These arguments are considered through review of the history of the hydrologic sciences, observations on the interaction of water and humanity from other disciplines, and observations from experience of hydrologic needs in Benin, West Africa. We conclude that interdisciplinary efforts will provide challenging and exciting new areas of research for hydrogeologists and our colleagues from the social sciences and humanities, while simultaneously enhancing sustainability and standards of living.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 13 • Issue 1 • January 2008
Pages: 13 - 19
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 29, 2006
Accepted: Jan 22, 2007
Published online: Jan 1, 2008
Published in print: Jan 2008
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