This extraordinary series is a sweeping account of the rise of Earth’s continents. They are the product of a grand waltz of plate tectonics and the continual evolution of Earth’s crust. As landmasses assemble and separate, they fuel volcanoes and spark earthquakes, building mountains and tearing valleys. We see the Earth, eons in the making, through the eyes of geologists and other scientists.
DirectorAlexis de Favitski
WritersStéphane J.Bureau, Benjamin Turquet, Marianne Cramer, Maurice Ribière, François Michel
Oceania - The Tectonic Ring of Fire
Jun 4, 2012
Examining what resulted from the collision of the Australian and Pacific plates that formed the lands of the South Pacific.
Asia - The Tectonics of Life and Death
Jun 5, 2012
The greatest destruction of life in the Earth's history; Siberia joining other land masses. Charting Siberia's course across the Earth's surface and the formation of the planet's largest continent.
Asia - Rising Mountains and Sinking Countries
Jun 6, 2012
The Indian subcontinent pushes the Himalayas upward; Japan is shaken by tectonic forces; Indonesia is ravaged by volcanoes. The rise of the Himalayas is chronicled. Also: Natural events that impacted Japan and Indonesia are discussed.
Europe - Tropical Beginnings
Jun 7, 2012
Europe was born of three massive tectonic collisions, leading the numerous transformations. Exploring Europe's geological history. Also: Fossils and petrified forests are examined.
Europe - A Turbulent Future
Jun 8, 2012
Europe continues to be transformed by tectonic forces; Iceland cracks at the seams; the Alps are rising. Changes in Iceland and the Mediterranean Sea are examined as tectonic forces continue to transform Europe.
Pete
@XmasRose
I have never really delved that much into geology, but when I was in muddle school, I remember looking at a map of the world and noticed something odd: when looking at all of the land masses it appeared to me that, like a jigsaw puzzle, some of the pieces looked like they, at least in at one point in time, fit together. I remember mentioning it to my teacher only to be told "You would think, huh." I never asked again but it stayed with me all these years. Imagine my curiosity when I happened upon this series while looking for some kind of documentary to watch. I figured I'd watch the first episode to see if I liked it to determine if it was for me or not. Though the order of episodes in that service was different from the order listed here, halfway through "The Origins of Africa" the light went on. By the end of the episode I realized this was the answer I had always had in the back of my mind since I was a kid. Using a mix of live narration, science, and animation, this limited series did an excellent job explaining the voyage the different land masses travelled to eventually form the continents we see today. Not being used to some of the terminology they used, some things I had to look up to verify but thise were far and few between. All of the scientists, narrators, and geologists explain things in an easy to understand manner without the incessant practice of constantly repeating themselves. Probably most effective was the "on location" aspect to each chapter in an episode so, in a sense, the world is the classroom. In all, we found this series to be fascinating, interesting, informative, and fulfilling. We enjoyed so much we've watched it a few times, and with each viewing we continue to learn. This is one series I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone once they learn the basics.
