Hydrology of the Murray–Darling Basin

Abstract

This chapter provides a holistic view of the hydrology of the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) within which local hydrological systems and issues can be contextualised. Surprisingly, despite many decades of hydrological research, this is the first time the hydrology of the whole Basin has been described, including its natural hydrological connectivity, the impacts of Basin developments, and efforts to restore the Basin's water regimes. An understanding of Basin hydrology is fundamentally important for Basin management because it shapes many of the important natural processes and associated benefits and threats for humans. The MDB's hydrology is typical of an inland river Basin in an arid climate h..