The area which drains to the Humber estuary is described, with referen
ce to the topography, geology and climate of the catchment. The human
influences which alter the hydrology of the catchment are discussed. A
brief description is given of the hydrometric techniques and networks
used to monitor the catchment. The paper concludes with a review of t
he significant hydrological events between September 1993 and March 19
96, the LOIS study period. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.