Essentials of Water

Water shapes the planet and all life upon it. Breaking down traditional disciplinary barriers, this accessible, holistic introduction to the role and importance of water in Earth's physical and biological environments assumes no prior knowledge. It provides the reader with a clear and coherent explanation of the unique properties of water and how these allow it to affect landscapes and underpin all life on Earth. Contemporary issues surrounding water quality – such as the rise of microplastics and climate change – are highlighted, ensuring readers understand current debates. Giving all of the necessary background and up-to-date references, and including numerous examples and illustrations to explain concepts, worked mathematical calculations, and extensive end-of-chapter questions, this is the ideal introductory textbook for students seeking to understand the inextricable links between water and the environment.

• Examines the role and importance of water in both the physical and biological environment in a multi-disciplinary framework
• Provides all of the scientific and mathematical background for a full understanding of the properties of water and its effect on its surroundings, with clear and simple explanations
• Makes no assumptions about students' prior knowledge by providing numerous examples, photographs, and illustrations to explain concepts
• The book is very well suited for courses where a traditional physical hydrology or water policy textbook is not appropriate and/or too advanced and in-depth, providing the structure and organization that can be used to match course objectives for an introductory, basic course on water, and saving instructors' time