Ep 13. X-Ray Yellowstone

In Curiosity season 2 episode 13, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the geological wonderland of Yellowstone National Park in the USA. The episode focuses on the use of cutting-edge X-ray technology to uncover the mysteries hidden beneath the majestic landscape of Yellowstone.

The host of the show, physicist and musician Brian Cox, meets with a team of scientists who have been using X-ray detectors to peer beneath the surface of the hot springs and geysers in the park. The technology, known as X-ray tomography, enables researchers to create 3D images of structures within the earth's crust.

The team demonstrates how X-ray tomography works by taking a sample of a rock from one of the hot springs in Yellowstone and placing it under the X-ray machine. As the X-rays penetrate the rock, they produce images of the minerals inside it, revealing an intricate network of underground channels and cavities.

The scientists explain that this technology has allowed them to study the behavior of the geysers in Yellowstone in unprecedented detail, revealing how underground water flows and heats up to create the explosive eruptions that are so famous in the park.

The team also uses X-ray technology to study the microbial life that thrives around the hot springs in Yellowstone. By taking samples of the mats of bacteria that grow in the water, they are able to study the intricate interactions between different species and understand how they are able to survive in such extreme conditions.

As the episode progresses, the host and the scientists delve ever deeper into the mysteries of Yellowstone, exploring the underground rivers and channels that power the geysers and hot springs. They discover vast caverns and tunnels that have been hidden from view for millennia, and use X-ray technology to unravel the complex geological processes that have shaped the landscape of Yellowstone over millions of years.

Throughout the show, viewers are treated to stunning footage of the park, from sweeping aerial shots of the rugged terrain to close-ups of the teeming microbial life that teems beneath the surface. Far from being a barren wasteland, the team reveals that Yellowstone is actually one of the most biodiverse landscapes on earth, home to a rich array of life forms that are adapted to the unique conditions found there.

Overall, the X-Ray Yellowstone episode of Curiosity season 2 offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. Through the use of cutting-edge X-ray technology, viewers are able to see beyond the surface and delve deep into the heart of the earth, uncovering a world of mystery and wonder that few have ever seen before.