Some Engineering Aspects of River Basin Development

Engineers are concerned with river basin development in two ways: First, they and their associates in meteorology, geology, and soil science are responsible for the collection of the physical data which tell how much water there is in the basin under consideration and how that water is distributed. Secondly, when these facts are known or can be estimated with reasonable accuracy, engineers must plan, design, build, and operate structures to control the water for the benefit of man. This article will briefly explore the nature and scope of these engineering roles.