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Hydromythology and ethnohydrology in the New World

January 1, 1981

From mythology, archeology, and chronicles of early explorers we can learn how early Americans viewed the cause and effect relations of hydrologic phenomena. Hopes and fears are the basis of religion, and it was through religion that water management was first practiced. Early people used their water resources to develop diverse civilizations in various parts of the western hemisphere. Not only was the rise of these earlier civilizations hydrologically influenced, but also the downfall of some was related to natural or man-made hydrological crises in which gods and mythology continued to play a role.

Publication Year 1981
Title Hydromythology and ethnohydrology in the New World
DOI 10.1029/WR017i002p00257
Authors William Back
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Water Resources Research
Index ID 70011682
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse