Ep 1. Pulse

H2O: The Molecule That Made Us is a documentary series that explores the role of water in shaping our planet and its inhabitants. In season 1 episode 1, titled Pulse, we learn about the origins of life on Earth and how water played a crucial role in its evolution.

The episode begins by discussing the early days of our planet, when it was still a hot and hostile environment with no signs of life. But the arrival of water changed everything. Scientists believe that water arrived on Earth through comets and asteroids that collided with the planet billions of years ago.

As water settled on the surface of the Earth, it created a variety of environments that were conducive to the development of life. These environments included oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, which provided nutrients and a suitable habitat for a diverse range of organisms.

The episode then moves on to discuss the unique properties of water that make it so essential for life. Water is a polar molecule, which means that it has a positive end (the hydrogen atoms) and a negative end (the oxygen atom). This property makes water an excellent solvent, allowing it to dissolve and transport a wide range of nutrients and minerals in our bodies.

Water also has a high boiling point and heat capacity, which means that it can absorb and release large amounts of heat without changing its temperature very much. This property helps to regulate the temperature of our bodies and prevent us from overheating.

The episode then introduces us to some of the researchers and scientists who are studying water and its role in our planet. We meet Dr. Don Canfield, a geobiologist who studies the interactions between life and the environment. Dr. Canfield explains how the oxygen in our atmosphere is produced by photosynthetic organisms that use water as a source of electrons.

We also meet Dr. Richard Alley, a climate scientist who studies the history of the Earth's climate. Dr. Alley explains how water plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature and preventing it from becoming too hot or too cold.

Throughout the episode, we see stunning footage of the oceans, rivers, and lakes that cover our planet. We see how water shapes the landscape and provides a vital source of food and energy for countless species. We also see how water can be both a force for good and a force for destruction, causing floods and droughts that can have devastating effects on our communities.

In the end, Pulse leaves us with a deeper appreciation for the role that water plays in our lives and the importance of preserving this precious resource for future generations. We are reminded that water is not just a molecule, but a source of life that connects us all.