Introduction

Abstract

Springer has initiated a new book series entitled World Water Resources, which aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of water resources of different countries and how these countries are planning and managing their water resources. This book is proposed as one of the first volumes to contribute to the above book series and provides an in-depth description of water resources in Turkey. The book is designed in three parts. The first part is devoted to physical features shaping the country's water resources; the second part focuses on water use and consumption, including domestic, agricultural (irrigation), and hydroelectric energy production uses. The third part of the book addresses the so-called miscellaneous issues, e.g., river basin management, water-related legislation, sustainability and water security issues, impacts of global warming and climate change, ancient water works, transboundary basins, and challenges for the future. The three basic parts of the book mentioned above are covered via 16 chapters, each of which gives a comprehensive description of the various features of water resources in Turkey. This introductory chapter is intended to shortly summarize the contents of these chapters so that it will be easier for the reader to select sections of interest.