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This book discusses two groundwater topics—recharge and discharge—in a focused, disciplinary fashion and in an interdisciplinary fashion. A key intention of this book is to draw linkages with other areas of the hydrological sciences—such as hydrometeorology, vadose zone hydrology, and surface water hydrology. Why? Because recharge and discharge are key components of the hydrologic cycle. The book also touches on the disciplines of biology and ecology by examining evapotranspiration and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Following a general introductory chapter on the basics of recharge and discharge, three topics—diffuse recharge, discharge, and the dynamics of recharge and discharge—are discussed in detail. The chapter on diffuse recharge focuses on the partitioning of precipitation at the land surface, beginning with an overview of weather and climate and the characteristics of precipitation. This overview is then followed by a detailed examination of evaporation and transpiration, infiltration through the vadose zone, and streamflow generation. The next chapter focuses on the different forms of discharge and gives an overview of groundwater exchanges with surface water. The following chapter on the dynamic nature of recharge and discharge begins with understanding groundwater-level hydrographs and changes in storage. It explores these dynamics at different temporal scales (sub-daily to long-term), including the consideration of interactions with surface waters. In addition, methods for estimating recharge and discharge are summarized. In the final chapter, human influences—such as groundwater abstraction, irrigation, and managed aquifer recharge—are discussed, as well as groundwater dependent ecosystems, and issues of groundwater and climate change relative to alterations of recharge and discharge.