Groundwater in the Environment: An Introduction, Paul L. Younger , 2007, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK & Malden, Massachusetts, 318 pp., £28.99, paperback. ISBN 1-4051-2143-2

Abstract

Groundwater is one of the most unruly elements that must be dealt with in the practice of Engineering Geology. Groundwater is found nearly everywhere and is essential to human life. It has always been this reviewer's opinion that every engineering geologist can and should also be a competent hydrogeologist. That having been said, Paul Younger's book is not directed toward hydrogeology; it deals with groundwater in the broadest sense of the term. The entire content of his book will have value to every practicing engineering geologist. The author (Younger) has been trained both as a geologist and an engineer, and in North America he surely would be regarded as a Geological Engineer. He has devoted his entire career to both the science and the engineering of groundwater and his book is a refreshing, non-disciplinary approach to delivering to the reader only what he feels is essential in dealing with groundwater from a scientific and engineering basis. There is little in this book to define the legitimate domains of the hydrogeologist and of the subsurface hydrologist (engineer). So, let us examine the fine qualities of Younger's book on groundwater! Professor Younger presents the subject in eleven chapters, the usual number for ease of assimilation by students as a text, and he claims that his message is basic. In fact, the content is indeed written to benefit either undergraduate geologists or engineers, but most profitably when instructed by a senior groundwater professional. Off campus, the book has definite value to any practitioner, geologist or engineer, …