Despite the fact that water is a very common substance, extremely important from any point of view, our understanding of its properties is still unsatisfactory. The lecture presents the most important facts about the structure of water molecules in the liquid and solid phases as well as explanations of the most important so-called anomalous properties of water. The next part focuses on the physics of snowflakes, whereas at the end we show basic facts about the distribution of water resources on Earth and in the Solar System. In comments of a somewhat philosophical nature, we look at the reductionist approach and its importance for the development of science and natural sciences, but also its limitations.
Professor Wojciech Łużny
Born in 1959 in Krakow; physicist specialised in experimental solid state physics who conducts research on computer modelling of the structure of matter. Since his graduation (AGH University, 1984), he has worked at the Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science; in the 2008-12 term – Dean of the Faculty, in terms 2016-24 – Vice-Rector for Education. Member of the Presidium of the Committee of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in the 2016-20 term. Head of the AGH University’s 100th Jubilee Committee. In the 2020-24 term, President of the Conference of Vice-Rectors for Education and Student Affairs of Polish Technical Universities. His professional interests include teaching and popularising physics, whereas the private ones are family, books, and the Tatra Mountains.
Water is not only vital for humanity but also for the complex ecosystem developed on Earth. It is more than just a raw material, as life would not exist without it. Despite the fact that the Earth is often referred to as the "blue planet," its water resources are scarce, and more than 2 billion people have very serious problems accessing drinking water. However, the greatest threat of the today’s world is the heavy pollution of the water environment caused by human activity, as a result of which usable water resources are being further reduced. Awareness of these threats has been growing in recent years; it is very common in the media space to hear about water shortages in various regions of our country, and that Poland is in danger of a shortage of water resources. All of these reports raise numerous concerns about Poland's economic development opportunities, food prices, and even the impending disaster that may await future generations. The lecture constitutes a response to these concerns.
AGH University Associate Professor Mariusz Czop
Professor at the Faculty of Geology, Geophysics, and Environmental Protection at the AGH University. He specialises in the fields of hydrogeology, water management, and environmental protection and engineering, including, in particular, the topic of modelling processes of pollution transfer and transformation in the environment. Author and co-author of numerous publications and scientific and research papers, concerned with developing and implementing innovative solutions in environmental engineering and water management.