"EARTH REVEALED" VIDEO SERIES - HOW TO ACCESS
* Go
to a computer with fast internet connection.
* Go
to: http://www.learner.org/resources/series78.html
* Scroll
down to the episode you want to watch
* Click on the Video On Demand (VOD) symbol for the episode: VoD
* Sign
in (don't worry, it's free...you can enter whatever information you wish).
(If you're taken back to the Earth Revealed page, scroll down and click
on the VOD symbol again.)
* A
small window will pop up. WAIT for the episode to load.
* Watch
the episode.
(You can use the Pause, Stop, Rewind, Fast Forward, and volume control
buttons.)
* To
watch the next episode, click on NEXT> at
the bottom of the window.
(Or go back to the main page and select the next episode.)
From the Program Website
http://www.learner.org/resources/series78.html
1.
Down to Earth - Surface conditions of the planets Venus and Mars are compared
with those of Earth, and scenes of Earth's living landscapes lead into a
discussion of how unique Earth truly is. Major topics addressed in the series,
including plate tectonics, natural resources, seismology, and erosion, are
introduced in this program.
2.
The Restless Planet - Early Greek astronomers believed that Earth was the center of
the universe. However, this notion changed dramatically over time, especially
after the invention of the telescope. This program traces the development of
astronomical theory with discussions of the discoveries of Copernicus, Galileo,
Kepler, and Newton. Unique characteristics of Earth are also discussed.
3.
Earth's Interior - Oil wells do more than just produce oil -they serve as windows
to Earth's interior. This program introduces the topic of geophysics, exploring
methods of studying what lies beneath Earth's surface. Geophysicists use seismic
wave studies, variations in temperature, magnetic fields, gravity, and computer
simulations to create models of deep structures.
4.
The Sea Floor - The mysteries of the ocean floor lie hidden under enormous
pressure and total darkness. This program looks at the research submersibles
and indirect methods used to study the bottom of the sea, providing a glimpse
of volcanic activity, formations such as the continental shelf and mid-ocean
ridges, and life forms that thrive at extreme depths.
5.
The Birth of a Theory - In the 1960s, earth scientists developed the theory of
plate tectonics. This program traces the development of plate tectonics,
beginning with the contributions and methods of geologist Alfred Wegener.
Sea-floor spreading, continental drift, paleomagnetism, and the primordial
supercontinent Pangaea are some of the topics covered.
6.
Plate Dynamics - This program examines the movement and interaction of tectonic
plates, which account for a vast array of geologic formations and phenomena
-from California's San Andreas Fault to the Rift Valley of eastern Africa.
The program covers convergent boundaries, subduction, hotspots, and the debate
over what drives plate motion.
7.
Mountain Building - This program erodes the myth of the mountain as a solid,
permanent structure. Animations are used to illustrate the process of orogeny
(mountain building) through accretion and erosion, as well as the role of plate
tectonics, the rock cycle, and how different types of rock are formed in the
course of mountain building.
8.
Earth's Structures - A visit to the Grand Canyon lays the foundation for this
exploration of rock layers and deformation. The program covers sedimentation,
major structures, the methods used to examine them, and how petroleum may be
trapped inside them. It also looks at tectonic force and the different types of
stress involved in the formation of geologic structures.
9.
Earthquakes - Showing actual footage of earthquakes and their aftermath, this
program discusses the forces that fuel these massive events. Faults, waves,
and the transfer of energy from the epicenter are explained, and histories
of the seismograph and Richter scale are presented. The program also describes
devices being developed to study - and eventually predict - earthquakes.
10.
Geologic Time - To illustrate the immensity of geologic time, the entire span
of Earth's existence is compressed down to a year. The timeline of major geologic
events is superimposed onto the year for a condensed view of Earth's evolution.
A relationship between this timeline and that of life on Earth is established,
with fossils and radiocarbon dating playing a major role in the discovery.
11.
Evolution Through Time - The fossil record reveals much about the diversity and
development of species. This program examines the traces left by early plants,
animals, and single-celled organisms and follows the progression of life forms
over time. Connections are drawn between atmospheric gases, climate change,
rock formation, biological functions, and mass extinctions.
12.
Minerals: The Materials of Earth - Minerals have been indispensable to human
civilization. This program looks at the variety of minerals, their atomic
and crystalline structures, and their physical properties such as hardness
and luster. Petrologists' methods of sectioning rocks are shown, and gems,
precious metals, ore excavation, and the value of silicates are discussed.
13.
Volcanism - Volcanoes provide clues about what is going on inside Earth.
Animations illustrate volcanic processes and how plate boundaries are related
to volcanism. The program also surveys the various types of eruptions, craters,
cones and vents, lava domes, magma, and volcanic rock. The 1980 eruption of
Mount St. Helens serves as one example.
14.
Intrusive Igneous Rocks -Most magma does not extrude onto Earth's surface but cools
slowly deep inside Earth. This magma seeps into crevices in existing rock
to form intrusive igneous rocks. Experts provide a graphic illustration of
this process and explain the types and textures of rocks such as granite,
obsidian, and quartz. Once again, plate tectonics is shown to be involved
in the process.
15.
Weathering and Soils - The Cleopatra's Needle obelisk in New York City's Central Park
is severely weathered after only 75 years, whereas the dry climate of Egypt
has preserved similar structures in that country for millennia. This program
shows how weather, climate, chemicals, temperature, and type of substrate
factor into rock and soil erosion. Environmental connections are also considered.
16.
Mass Wasting - Anyone undertaking a building project must understand mass wasting
- the downslope movement of earth under the influence of gravity. Various
factors in mass wasting, including the rock's effective strength and pore
spaces, are discussed, as are different types of mass wasting such as creep,
slump, and landslides. Images of an actual landslide illustrate the phenomenon.
17.
Sedimentary Rocks: The Key to Past Environments - This program
returns to the Grand Canyon: its exposed layers of sedimentary rock allow
scientists to peer into the geologic past. The movement of sediment and its
deposition are covered, and the processes of lithification, compaction, and
cementation that produce sedimentary rocks are explained. Organic components of
rock are also discussed.
18.
Metamorphic Rocks - The weight of a mountain creates enough pressure to recrystallize
rock, thus creating metamorphic rocks. This program outlines the recrystallization
process and the types of rock it can create -from claystone and slate to schist
and garnet-bearing gneiss. The relationship of metamorphic rock to plate tectonics
is also covered.
19.
Running Water I: Rivers, Erosion and Deposition - Rivers are the most
common land feature on Earth and play a vital role in the sculpting of land.
This program shows landscapes formed by rivers, the various types of rivers,
the basic parts of a river, and how characteristics of rivers -their slope,
channel, and discharge - erode and build the surrounding terrain. Aspects
of flooding are also discussed.
20.
Running Water II: Landform Evolution - The Colorado River is a powerful geologic
agent - powerful enough to have carved the Grand Canyon. This program focuses
on how such carving takes place over time, looking at erosion and deposition
processes as they relate to river characteristics and type of rock. The evolution
of rivers is covered, along with efforts to prevent harmful consequences to
humans.
21.
Groundwater - Approximately three-quarters of Earth's surface is covered by
water. But most fresh water comes from underground. Topics of this program
include aquifers, rock porosity and permeability, artesian wells, the water
table, cave formation, sinkholes, and how groundwater may become contaminated.
22.
Wind, Dust and Deserts - Land in arid climates is shaped in particular ways.
This program shows how deserts are defined by infrequent precipitation and how
desertification relates to proximity to the equator, proximity to mountains,
and ultimately plate tectonics. Images of landscapes illustrate how wind
creates features such as dunes, playas, blow-outs, and even oases.
23.
Glaciers - Many of the world's most beautiful landscapes were made by glaciers.
This program shows how, explaining glacial formation, structure, movement,
and methods of gouging and accumulating earth. The program provides images
of glaciers and glacial landforms such as moraines, and discusses how study
of glaciers may help us understand ice ages and the greenhouse effect.
24.
Waves, Beaches and Coasts - This program shows the dynamic interaction of two geologic
agents: rocky landmasses and the energy of the ocean. Aspects of waves - their
types, parts, movement, and impact on the shore - are illustrated. The program
also covers shoreline characteristics, currents, sea barriers, tides, and
how the greenhouse effect could impact sea level and coastal lands.
25.
Living With Earth, Part I - Scenes of San Francisco before the Loma Prieta
earthquake introduce this program addressing how humans are learning to cope
with earthquakes. Various groups and agencies are studying the San Andreas
Fault and the damage caused along its path to better understand how earthquakes
ravage the land. Methods of studying earthquakes are reviewed.
26.
Living With Earth, Part II - Since the nineteenth century, humans have turned to the
Earth for energy sources to fuel their industry. This program discusses where
oil comes from, how it is extracted, and how it is converted into energy.
The effects of oil drilling and the burning of fossil fuels are also addressed,
and the potential of alternative energy sources is considered.