Earth: The Power of the Planet
★ 8.3 · 2007 · 60m · 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.
Episodes
1. Volcano60m · Volcanoes 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.
2. Atmosphere60m · Iain 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.
3. Ice60m · Ice 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.
4. Oceans60m · Travelling 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.
5. Rare Earth60m · Iain 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.More Like This
Ireland's Coast
2024 · ★ 8
A three-part documentary series that journeys to the heart of Ireland's coast, revealing its fascinating origins, rich biodiversity and magnetic charm.
More info →
Kingdom of the Oceans
2011 · ★ 9.2
A four-part documentary series on ocean life around the world.
More info →
The Great Rift: Africa's Wild Heart
2010 · ★ 8
A BBC/Animal Planet co-production, the three-part series focuses on the landscape and wildlife of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa.
More info →
Earth: A New Wild
2015 · ★ 7
A fresh look at humankind’s relationship to the planet’s wildest places and most fascinating species. Using advanced filming techniques, this series will provide visuals as stunning as the best natural history programs. Distinguishing itself from nearly all other nature films, however, the series turns the cameras around, showing the world as it really is—with humans in the picture.
More info →
Ocean Wild
2019
The crystal clear waters of East Asia are home to some of the world’s rarest and most exotic creatures. Dive beneath the waves to discover this stunning underwater landscape and learn how these aquatic species have evolved alongside their environment to allow both plant and fish to thrive.
More info →
Lost Land of the Volcano
2009 · ★ 8
An international team of scientists, cavers and wildlife filmmakers venture deep into the heart of the remote tropical island of New Guinea.
More info →
Volcano Live
2012 · ★ 6
Find out about the awesome power of volcanoes in some of the most geologically active places on Earth.
More info →
Seven Worlds, One Planet
2019 · ★ 8.5
Millions of years ago, incredible forces ripped apart the Earth’s crust creating seven extraordinary continents. This documentary series reveals how each distinct continent has shaped the unique animal life found there.
More info →Catastrophe
2008 · ★ 8
This spectacular five-part series, presented by Tony Robinson, investigates the history of natural disasters, from the planet's beginnings to the present, putting a new perspective on our existence – that we are the product of catastrophe. Using the latest CGI effects and featuring scientific experts, the series reveals how the evolution of life on Earth has been shaped by lethal catastrophes that have caused mass extinctions, almost to the point of wiping out life altogether.
More info →
The Universe
2007 · ★ 8
From the planets to the stars and out to the edge of the unknown, history and science collide in a wondrous yet deadly adventure through space and time.
More info →