Geology

Filmed in forests, glacial valleys, riversides, and coastal shores, this series demonstrates and explains the discoveries of modern geology and gives students a new perspective on the world around them.
1984, Granada Media. 10-part series, 20 minutes each.

This program shows the process of sedimentation, which has preserved those life forms extant at the time the rock was formed and—most strikingly where the Colorado River has cut through the Grand Canyon—exposes a veritable history of life on earth; presents the stratified evidence that simple organisms populated the earth first, followed by increasingly complex forms; demonstrates modern techniques for dating rock samples; and explains why fossils provide important evidence of the theory of evolution.
1988, Granada Media. 21 minutes.

Two-hundred and fifty million years ago, the Earth looked like something from another solar system. The continents we know today were concentrated into a single landmass—Pangaea—surrounded by Panthalassa, an immense ocean. But about 200 million years ago, this supercontinent started to break apart: new ocean basins were forming, mountains rocketed skywards and over millions of years, seven new landmasses were created from the remnants of the old, each one unique - our continents. Piecing together clues from across the globe and using cutting edge CGI, this four-part series puts the giant jigsaw puzzle of Pangaea back together; uncovering the turbulent story of each continent and revealing why each one is so unique. Spectacular aerial shots reveal the beauty and astonishing landscapes that resulted from the breakup and collision of whole continents, while underwater footage captures the world's most biodiverse seas and smoking volcanoes in the darkest depths of the ocean.
2013, A BBC/Science Channel Co-production. 4-part series, 50 minutes each.

Knowledge of the physics and chemistry of the planet’s “bones” is essential to a complete understanding of Earth science. Ranging from the Mohs scale and specific gravity to silicates, carbonates, and halides, this video delves deeply into the composition, properties, and classification of rocks and minerals. An element of forensic-type analysis is also brought into play, since any stony formation represents a portion of the planet’s history and local conditions. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. Correlates to National Science Education Standards, National Educational Technology Standards, and Standards for the English Language Arts.
2006, A Cambridge Educational Production. 23 minutes.

Over the many billions of years of the Earth's history our planet has never stopped changing shape. Massive tectonic forces have sculpted and resculpted our world in a never ending journey. Tectonics has created life—and destroyed it as well. Huge volcanoes and devastating earthquakes continue to dominate human history. This five-part series is a story of high drama and intense beauty: the interaction of geology and life—a true voyage of the continents.
2012, Lagardere Studio Distribution. 5 videos, 51 minutes each.