Series
Earth: The Power of the Planet
Documentary
In each episode, geologist Dr. Iain Stewart explains the effects and importance of a specific force of nature, such as wind or volcanism. He also examines the various ways in which it shapes planet earth itself and influences life on it, often in conjunction with other natural forces, and sometimes with lifeforms, as in the 'apocalyptically' grave case of global warming.
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Seasons & episodes
1Volcano20 Nov 2007 · 60m · ★ 7.0Volcanoes have a fearsome reputation. In reality, they are the most important force in the creation of the planet as we know it today. Iain abseils into a lava lake and cave dives in a cenote to show how the heat that fuels volcanoes also drives some of the most fundamental processes on the planet.
2Atmosphere27 Nov 2007 · 60m · ★ 7.7Iain travels into the stratosphere in a Cold War fighter, gets his eyebrows singed in Siberia and discovers why Argentina is one of the stormiest places on Earth. All to show why our atmosphere is unique and utterly crucial for life.
3Ice4 Dec 2007 · 60m · ★ 7.7Ice may be nothing more than frozen water but, as Iain explains, it holds extraordinary power. Descending 150m down a frozen waterfall, he sees a glacier in action from below and discovers why the huge Jacobshaven glacier is retreating, he shows how it shaped our past and may now threaten our future.
4Oceans11 Dec 2007 · 60m · ★ 7.5Travelling from Hawaii to the Amazon and Ethiopia and then on to the Mediterranean, Iain tells the story of the oceans – fierce waves, huge tidal bores, global currents and the future dangers of global warming.
5Rare Earth18 Dec 2007 · 60m · ★ 7.5Iain looks at the big picture of Earth's place in space. It's taken four and a half billions years and several great catastrophes to turn it from a barren rock to the unique planet we know today.
Details
- First aired
- 20 Nov 2007
- Last aired
- 18 Dec 2007
- Status
- Ended
- Language
- English
- Network
- BBC Two
- Episodes
- 5
- Votes
- 13 on TMDB
Cast
Iain StewartSelf - Presenter
