It is now widely accepted that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are causing higher global temperatures. This volume provides a comprehensive review of the effects of climate variability on hydrological and human systems in the Holocene (the last 10,000 years). The book concentrates on the regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea, western and central Europe, China, Japan, West and South Africa and southwestern U.S.A. It is intended for researchers and professionals in hydrology, climatology, geology and historical geography.