Watch Awesome Science Petrified Forest National Park / Meteor Crater

Awesome Science Petrified Forest National Park / Meteor Crater is a fascinating documentary film that explores two spectacular sites in Arizona, USA. The film is part of the Awesome Science series, which is produced by Kyle Justice and features his brother, Noah Justice, as the host and narrator. The movie begins by introducing the Petrified Forest National Park, which is located in northeastern Arizona and covers an area of over 200 square miles. The park is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. The film takes viewers on a tour of the park, highlighting its unique geological features and the natural processes that created them.

Noah Justice explains how the petrified wood was formed over 200 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period, when Arizona was a swampy and humid region with a subtropical climate. Massive trees grew in the area, and when they died and fell into the water, they were buried by sediment and volcanic ash. Over millions of years, the trees were transformed into colorful, crystalline fossils through a process called permineralization.

The film also explores the history and culture of the indigenous people of the region, including the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Noah Justice highlights the importance of preserving the park's natural and cultural heritage for future generations, and underscores the role of science in understanding the past and protecting the planet.

The second part of the movie focuses on the Meteor Crater, which is located about 40 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona. The crater is one of the best-preserved examples of a meteorite impact on Earth, and it has been known and studied by scientists for over a century. The film takes viewers on a journey to the site, where they can witness the awe-inspiring size and scale of the crater.

Noah Justice explains how the Meteor Crater was formed around 50,000 years ago, when a nickel-iron meteor weighing over 300,000 tons slammed into the Earth at a speed of about 40,000 miles per hour. The impact created a crater that is about 3/4 mile wide and 560 feet deep, and it released an amount of energy equivalent to the explosion of 20 million tons of TNT.

The film also explores the scientific significance of the Meteor Crater, which has been studied by geologists, astronomers, and other scientists for decades. Noah Justice interviews experts who explain how the crater has provided valuable insights into the processes that shape our planet and the universe. The crater has been used as a training ground for astronauts and as a research site for NASA missions, and it continues to inspire curiosity and wonder.

Overall, Awesome Science Petrified Forest National Park / Meteor Crater is a captivating and educational documentary that offers a fascinating glimpse into two remarkable sites in Arizona. The film is a testament to the power of science and the importance of preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations. Whether you are a science enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a great documentary, this film is definitely worth watching.