Life's Matrix

One of the four elements of classical antiquity, water is central to the environment of our planet. In "Life's Matrix", Philip Ball writes of water's origins, history, and unique physical character. As a geological agent, water shapes mountains, canyons, and coastlines, and when unleashed in hurricanes and floods its destructive power is awesome. Ball's provocative exploration of water on other planets highlights the possibilities of life beyond Earth. "Life's Matrix" also examines the grim realities of depletion of natural resources and its effects on the availability of water in the twenty-first century.

Review: "Ball's in-depth 'biography' is an engaging look at the chemical composition of H20, its ecology, our perception of water historically, and the mythology surrounding the substance."--"Science News