Ep 13. Extreme Ice

NOVA, the PBS documentary series that explores the wonders of science and the mysteries of the universe, takes viewers on a trip to the world's most breathtaking glaciers in "Extreme Ice," the 13th episode of its 36th season. The episode explores the impact of climate change on the ice sheets of Greenland and the glaciers of the Alps and the Himalayas, highlighting the latest research on how melting ice is dramatically altering the Earth's weather patterns and sea levels.

"Extreme Ice" opens with panoramic shots of the vast and desolate expanse of Greenland's ice sheet, which covers an area about three times the size of Texas. The narrator explains that the ice sheet is the second-largest body of ice on Earth, and that its melting is contributing to the rise of global sea levels. Scientists are studying the ice sheet and other glaciers around the world to better understand how climate change is affecting the planet.

The episode then turns to the work of glaciologist Jason Box, who has been studying the Greenland ice sheet for over two decades. Box is shown drilling into the ice in a remote camp, taking core samples that can provide a record of Greenland's temperature and climate going back thousands of years. The episode also highlights the dangers of working on the ice sheet, including a harrowing scene in which Box and his team narrowly avoid a crevasse.

As the episode progresses, viewers see the ways in which climate change is affecting the ice sheet. Warmer temperatures are causing the ice to melt faster, and the resulting water is flowing out to the ocean, contributing to sea level rise. The melting ice is also affecting the ocean's currents, which in turn can affect weather patterns around the globe.

"Extreme Ice" then turns to the glaciers of the Alps, where scientists are using technology like radar and lasers to study how the ice is melting. The episode explains that the Alps are home to some of the world's most famous glaciers, including those atop Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. The melting glaciers are a concern not only for the loss of natural beauty but also because of the potential danger posed by glacial flooding and landslides.

The episode also touches on the impact of melting ice on the Himalayas, which provide water to hundreds of millions of people across Asia. The narrator explains that the glaciers of the Himalayas are melting at an alarming rate, and that the resulting water scarcity could lead to conflict in the already volatile region.

Throughout "Extreme Ice," viewers see stunning footage of glaciers and ice sheets that showcases their beauty and grandeur, even as it highlights the danger they face. The episode also emphasizes the role that humans have in this story, as our actions are contributing to climate change and the melting of the world's ice.

NOVA's "Extreme Ice" is a compelling and informative piece of science journalism that provides an in-depth look at the impact of climate change on the Earth's glaciers and ice sheets. Through the work of scientists like Jason Box and the use of cutting-edge technology, the episode explains the urgency of the situation and the need for action to address climate change.