Naked Science Season 5 Episode 15 Ice Age Meltdown
- April 9, 2009
In season 5, episode 15 of Naked Science, viewers are taken on a journey through time to explore the Ice Age Meltdown. The episode begins by providing a brief overview of the Ice Age and the various theories of what caused it, including changes to the Earth's orbit and solar output. It then dives deeper into the topic by examining the melting of the ice sheets and the impact it had on the planet.
The show highlights the significant changes in sea level that occurred as the ice sheets melted, including the creation of new land bridges and the flooding of existing coastlines. Viewers are introduced to the concept of megafloods, which occurred when large quantities of water were released from melting ice sheets and carved out massive channels on the Earth's surface.
One of the key focuses of this episode is the impact that the melting ice sheets had on the planet's climate. The show explores how the influx of cold, freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean disrupted the ocean currents that regulate the Earth's temperature, leading to a rapid cooling period known as the Younger Dryas. The episode also examines how the release of methane gas from the melting permafrost is contributing to global warming today.
The episode includes stunning visuals of the various landscapes that were formed as a result of the Ice Age Meltdown. Viewers are taken on a tour of the Great Lakes and shown how they were carved out by melting glaciers. The show also features shots of the Scandinavian fjords, which were formed when the melting ice flooded the valley basins.
The episode doesn't shy away from the impact that the Ice Age Meltdown had on the various species that inhabited the planet. Viewers are shown how the changing climate forced many animals to adapt or face extinction. The show provides examples of how changes in temperature led to the extinction of the woolly mammoth and the saber-toothed tiger. It also explores how the melting of the ice sheets created new habitats for animals to thrive in.
Throughout the episode, various experts are interviewed to provide their insights and knowledge on the topic. These experts include paleoclimatologists, geologists, and biologists. Their expertise provides viewers with a fascinating and informative look at the Ice Age Meltdown.
Overall, Naked Science season 5, episode 15, provides viewers with a captivating exploration of the Ice Age Meltdown. Through stunning visuals and expert insights, the show highlights the significant impact that this period had on the planet and its inhabitants. Anyone interested in climate change, geology, or biology will find this episode both informative and interesting.
