Ep 9. Tsunami

How The Earth Was Made is a documentary series that explores the geological history of the Earth and the various geological processes that have shaped our planet. In season 1 episode 9, titled Tsunami, the focus is on the catastrophic waves that have caused destruction and devastation throughout human history, and the geological forces that create them.

The episode begins by exploring the science behind tsunamis, which are caused by seismic activity on the seafloor, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. When these events occur, a massive amount of water is displaced, causing a series of waves to propagate across the ocean, which can travel at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour. While they may start out as small ripples in the water, tsunamis can quickly grow into towering walls of water that can wipe out entire coastlines.

The episode then delves into some of the most catastrophic tsunamis in history, starting with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. This event, which was triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, resulted in the deaths of over 230,000 people in 14 different countries. The show explores the science behind the earthquake and the resulting tsunami, as well as the human impact of this devastating event.

Next, the episode travels back in time to explore some of the most catastrophic tsunamis in history, including the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and tsunami, which destroyed much of the Portuguese capital, and the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa, which triggered a massive tsunami that impacted coastlines across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

The episode also explores the impact of tsunamis on prehistoric life, such as the extinction of the dinosaurs, which is thought to have been triggered in part by a massive asteroid impact that caused a global tsunami. The show also explores the impact of tsunamis on early human civilizations, such as the Minoans of ancient Crete, who may have been wiped out by a massive tsunami caused by the eruption of the nearby Santorini volcano.

Throughout the episode, the show explores the science behind tsunamis and the various geological forces that contribute to their formation. Scientists and researchers are interviewed to provide insight into the impact of these catastrophic events on human history, as well as to explore the ways in which modern technology is helping to predict and prepare for future tsunamis.

Overall, Tsunami is a fascinating and informative episode of How The Earth Was Made that explores the science behind one of the most devastating natural disasters on Earth. The show combines stunning visuals with in-depth scientific analysis to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of how tsunamis are formed, their impact on human history, and the ways in which we can prepare for and mitigate the effects of future events.