Naked Science Season 6 Episode 17 How the West Was Made
- July 23, 2009
How the West Was Made is a captivating episode from season 6 of Naked Science. The show presents us with an in-depth look into how the Western United States was formed over millions of years, from the movements of tectonic plates to the migration of wildlife.
The episode starts by exploring the geological processes that took place to form the vast rocky landscapes of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Yosemite National Park. The show explains how these formations came into being over the course of millions of years, starting with the movements and collisions of tectonic plates, which created the enormous uplifts and fault lines seen in the region today.
We learn that the Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, creating a boundary known as the San Andreas Fault. This fault line caused the powerful earthquakes that destroyed much of San Francisco in 1906 and again in 1989. Naked Science explains how the movements of the plates often cause subterranean rocks to melt and rise to the surface, creating some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world.
The episode then takes us on a journey through the ages to see how life evolved in this rugged and challenging landscape. It shows us how animal species like wolves, bears, and elk migrated across the region, adapting to the often-harsh conditions. We also learn about the colorful history of the Native American tribes who have lived in the area for millennia, and how their lives were impacted by the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century.
Moreover, the episode delves into the role that water played in shaping the West over millions of years. We learn how rivers like the Colorado and the Rio Grande formed deep canyons and vast valleys in the Southwest, and how waterfalls like Yosemite's Yosemite Falls helped to create the unique rock formations that populate the world-famous park.
The show also explores how the discovery of gold led to a boom in the population of the Western United States in the late 19th century, with people arriving from all corners of the globe to strike it rich. It explains how this rush impacted the natural landscape, with many hills and rivers being stripped of their natural resources to feed the insatiable demand for gold.
In conclusion, How the West Was Made is an outstanding episode from Naked Science's sixth season that combines stunning visual footage with informative, engaging narration to deliver a mesmerizing exploration of the natural and human history of the American West. It highlights the geological and environmental forces that have shaped the landscape over millions of years and delves into the colorful history of the Native American tribes and the settlers who arrived here in the 19th century. Watching this episode is a treat for viewers who are passionate about science, history, and the natural world.
