External Rating26%
200860 minEnded

Catastrophe

Network:Channel 4

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S01E05 - "Survival Earth"

Aired on Dec 22, 2008, 12:00 PM

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Description

This spectacular five-part series, investigates the history of natural disasters, from the planet's beginnings to the present, putting a new perspective on our existence – that we are the product of catastrophe. Using the latest CGI effects and featuring scientific experts, the series reveals how the evolution of life on Earth has been shaped by lethal catastrophes that have caused mass extinctions, almost to the point of wiping out life altogether.

Details

Status
Ended
Language
English
Runtime
60 min
Premiered
November 24, 2008
Ended
December 22, 2008
Schedule
Monday at 12:00 AM

External Links

Episodes (1 Season · 5 Episodes)

Birth of a Planet

30 million years after Earth's birth a cataclysmic collision almost destroyed the planet completely. Instead this chance collision formed the moon, triggering an extraordinary sequence of events that formed this unique planet teaming with life.

Nov 24, 2008

60 min

Snowball Earth

Inspired by ideas about nuclear war, a theory that the Earth was encased in ice 650 million years ago has gained popularity in the science community. This program explains how this condition came about, how it ended, the impact on the evolution of animal life and presents the evidence for these conclusions. 

Dec 1, 2008

60 min

Planet of Fire

The most catastrophic extinction event in the history of the earth was the Permian Extinction 250 million years ago. Scientists believe this was caused by a massive half million year eruption in the Siberian traps that lead to wave after wave of toxic gases devastating life on the planet beginning with sulfur dioxide followed by carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and methane. Yet, some animals found sanctuaries where they could survive. 

Dec 8, 2008

60 min

Asteroid Strike

Dinosaurs arose as rulers of the Earth 250 million years ago, but their reign soon ended in catastrophe, paving the way for mammals and eventually humans to flourish. Evidence shows that a cosmic impact was responsible, but where did it hit Earth? 

Dec 15, 2008

60 min

Survival Earth

So far, humans have been lucky to not experience a catastrophe on a global scale. Though they are the most powerful species on this planet, it's easy to forget that the forces that wiped out many successful species in the past are still at work.

Dec 22, 2008

60 min

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