May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
21 minute read
Water, a simple molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, is the cornerstone of life as we know it. It covers over 70% of the Earth's surface and is integral to every known form of life. Its unique properties, from its capacity to dissolve more substances than any other liquid to its existence in three states of matter within Earth's normal temperature ranges, make it a truly remarkable substance. Understanding water is not just a scientific pursuit; it's an exploration into the very fabric of our planet and our existence.
Working with water offers a diverse and engaging range of possibilities. Imagine designing systems that deliver clean drinking water to communities, or developing strategies to protect our precious aquatic ecosystems. Consider the thrill of researching the intricate ways water shapes our climate and weather patterns, or the satisfaction of ensuring this vital resource is managed sustainably for future generations. The field is dynamic, constantly evolving with new challenges and technological advancements, making it an exciting path for those passionate about science, engineering, policy, and the environment.
Introduction to Water
This section provides a foundational understanding of water, its global presence, and its critical role in sustaining life and shaping human history. It's designed for anyone curious about this vital substance, from students beginning their scientific journey to individuals seeking a broader understanding of the world around them.
Definition and basic properties of water
c67zs7|
Find a path to becoming a Water. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/c67zs7/wate
Reading list
We've selected 35 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Water.
An accessible introduction to the study of hydrology, covering the water cycle, hydrological processes, and water resource management. It is suitable for undergraduate students and provides a solid foundation in the science of water movement.
Offers a comprehensive guide to the water resources industry, covering technical methods, tools, and key concepts. It includes case studies and is suitable for students and professionals in various water-related disciplines.
A compelling look at the global water crisis through on-the-ground reporting from various regions facing scarcity. deepens understanding of the contemporary challenges and provides crucial context for courses on global health, climate change, and environmental studies.
A work of speculative fiction that vividly portrays a near-future world grappling with extreme water scarcity due to climate change. While fiction, it offers a powerful and thought-provoking perspective on the potential social and political consequences of water crises, relevant for contemporary topics discussions.
Focuses on the critical intersection of water, climate change, and sustainable development, examining policy and environmental issues. This is highly relevant for understanding contemporary challenges and future directions in water management.
Provides a non-technical overview of water and wastewater treatment processes, making it accessible to a broader audience, including those without an engineering background. It's useful for gaining a general understanding of how water is treated.
This comprehensive handbook, presented by the American Water Works Association, definitive reference on drinking water quality and treatment. It covers state-of-the-art technologies and methods for ensuring safe drinking water. This must-have reference for professionals and advanced students in water treatment.
A widely used textbook for undergraduate students, this book provides a solid introduction to the fundamental principles of hydrology. It covers essential concepts such as precipitation, evaporation, streamflow, and groundwater. core resource for building a technical understanding of the water cycle and hydrologic processes.
Provides a stunning visual tour of the world's oceans, from the surface to the deep sea. It must-read for anyone who wants to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our planet's water.
Specifically addresses the impacts of climate change on water resources, covering both the scientific principles and potential adaptation measures. It's highly relevant given the course titles on climate change. This book is valuable for understanding the future challenges to water availability and management posed by a changing climate.
Focusing on the modern challenges and economics of water, this book offers a broad understanding of how water is used, managed, and often mismanaged globally. It's a great resource for grasping the contemporary relevance of water issues and can serve as a compelling introduction for various audiences. highlights the 'secret life' of water in our daily lives and the systems that deliver it.
Explores the critical links between water quality, sanitation, and public health. It's highly relevant given the course title on global health. It provides essential knowledge on waterborne diseases, water treatment for health protection, and the global burden of water-related illnesses. This book is key for understanding the public health implications of water access and quality.
Focuses on the applied aspects of hydrology related to flood analysis and floodplain management. It's particularly relevant for students and professionals dealing with water excess issues and flood control. It includes practical applications and case studies.
Building on the themes of water scarcity and climate change, this book examines the challenges facing the American West and proposes potential solutions. It's a good resource for understanding the intersection of climate change and water resources in a specific, high-profile region. is valuable for exploring contemporary policy and management issues.
Presents a strong argument for water as a human right and examines the global water crisis through a social and political lens. It's excellent for understanding the issues of water privatization and the growing movement for water justice. This book provides a crucial perspective on the ethical and equity dimensions of water.
Provides a broad historical and cultural understanding of water's role in human civilization, from ancient societies to the present. It's excellent for gaining a foundational perspective on how water has shaped history, economies, and politics. This book is valuable for anyone seeking a comprehensive overview before diving into more technical aspects.
Focuses on the specific challenges and strategies related to managing water in urban environments, including supply, wastewater, and stormwater. It's a valuable resource for understanding the unique water issues faced by cities and the engineering and planning involved. This book is particularly relevant given the course titles related to urban environments.
Traces the history of urban water systems and explores the technological revolutions that have shaped how we access and use water. It provides a good overview of the infrastructure and engineering behind urban water, offering insights into past solutions and future possibilities. This is particularly relevant for understanding urban water management challenges.
Similar to 'Water: A Biography,' this book examines the historical relationship between water and human civilization, with a focus on how control over water has shaped power structures and conflicts throughout history. It offers a broad, historical context for understanding the strategic importance of water.
A classic in environmental literature, this book provides a critical historical account of water development and management in the American West. While focused on a specific region, it offers deep insights into the political, social, and environmental complexities of water resources. It's valuable for understanding the historical context of many current water challenges.
Based on the true story of a Sudanese Lost Boy and a girl in Sudan, this book powerfully illustrates the human impact of water scarcity and the challenges of accessing clean water in developing regions. While a work of fiction, it offers a poignant and accessible entry point into understanding global water inequality. It's particularly suitable for high school audiences and for providing a human perspective.
Offers a unique bio-cultural view of human relationships with water, exploring its historical, cultural, material, ecological, and political dimensions. It provides a rich, interdisciplinary perspective that complements more technical readings.
Part of the 'Very Short Introductions' series, this book offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the science of water, from its molecular structure to its role in the Earth's systems. It's an excellent starting point for anyone needing a quick and accessible introduction to the fundamental science of water.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/c67zs7/wate
Save
