The hydrogen bond is responsible for several unique properties of water, including its high specific heat, cohesion, and adhesion. These properties arise due to the polar nature of water molecules, which allows them to form transient hydrogen bonds with neighboring molecules. This bonding leads to water's ability to moderate temperature fluctuations in the environment and support life by providing reliable habitats. Additionally, the cohesion helps water molecules stick together, while adhesion allows them to interact with various surfaces, contributing to processes like capillary action.