Lakes and rivers of the tropics are rich with variety and human relevance, yet do not figure prominently in surveys of general freshwater biology and limnology. The details of the scientific exploration of these lakes and rivers are mostly represented only in regional and specialist descriptions and analyses. In this book, the authors take a generalized view, on a worldwide scale, that is dynamic and quantitative in outlook. They integrate events and processes under tropical conditions--not only geographically, but also within a continuum of physics, chemistry, and biology--to provide a foundation that will be of value to all who study and work with tropical inland waters.