Megaflooding is the sudden discharge of exceptional volumes of water. Megafloods have significantly altered the terrain of Earth and Mars, and may have acted as triggers for climate change on these planets. Recently, research into megaflooding has made important advances: on Earth, real-time measurements of contemporary floods in Iceland complement research into older and larger terrestrial floods, while on Mars terabytes of data from several spacecraft orbiting that planet are dramatically revising our view of flooding there. Beginning with a historical overview of flood science, the book presents sections on morphology and mechanisms, flood sedimentology, and modelling, each illustrated with examples from Earth and Mars. By juxtaposing terrestrial and Martian research, this volume creates a unique synthesis to further our understanding of these enormous paleoflood events. It is an invaluable reference for researchers and students of hydrology, geomorphology, sedimentology and planetary science, as well as environmental and hydraulic engineers.

"...papers compliment one another nicely with minor overlap, and together they constitute a good overview of what has been learned since Bretz's theory gained wide acceptance. They also convey the nature of these flood events and their geological importance ...Recommended." CHOICE

"...an important book for understanding the recent catacyclismic glacial outburst floods on Earth, and similar events in the past on Mars. This book is beautifully illustrated in color and line-drawing, including the shaded photo and SAR images from low-look angles, and will delight the readers." The Leading Edge