Phlegrean Fields - Supervolcano | In the Shadow of Volcanoes (2/5)

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest non-submerged volcano. At more than 3000 meters high it is also a stunning sight from the sea – dominating the Eastern Sicilian coast. Like all Italian volcanoes this one began at the bending fault line where the Euroasian and African continental plates meet and twist. Over hundreds of thousands of years the volcano has produced spectacular eruptions and lava flows. The ash has made the plains around the mountain extremely fertile, producing the best oranges and fine wines. This episode features the orange groves and vineyards of Etna, mostly harvested by the women of the community. The slopes of Etna are among the most fertile in Italy. We concentrate on the agricultural repercussions of the volcano and how the local communities accept the danger caused by Etna because of the advantages its regular eruptions provide. Etna dominates the city of Catania, where tourists come to admire the mountain when in full eruption, safe in the knowledge that an erupting volcano is letting off steam, not building it up for a future explosion. However, monitoring the

Born out of fire: When a new crater opens up on the green Atlantic island of La Palma in September 2021, no one suspects that it will be the largest and most destructive volcanic eruption in five centuries in Europe - and a rare chance for many scientists to watch evolution at work. For nearly three months, the volcano spews out gigantic chunks of pyroclast, lava and ash. At times, several lava flows push their way down the mountain flank. Whatever stands in their way is destroyed and buried under a layer of lava up to 60 meters high. But out of the destruction grows new life - nature around a volcano has many adaptation strategies. The volcanic eruption on La Palma is a reminder of how extreme living conditions once were on our planet. It also reminds us that throughout Earth's history, such catastrophes have also meant opportunities for new life and the adaptation of species of animals and plants that will prevail until history presents them with new challenges. ------- Chapters ▷ 00:00 - Introduction ▷ 00:59

Known as the island of 100 volcanoes, Lanzarote is the easternmost island in the Canary Islands. Volcanic cones are dotted across the island’s dramatic landscape, forged by the struggle between fire and water. Massive Atlantic waves that crash up against the reef formed by the volcanic eruptions in the past make Lanzarote a surfer’s paradise (we interview a famous big wave surfer and a body boarder, and see them in action!). Wind and ash have made the land fertile, yet but extremely difficult to farm, as is evident in the vineyards and biological vegetable farms featured. Eruptions over the centuries destroyed much of the island, leaving an underground labyrinth of lava tubes and secret underwater lakes. The award winning wines cultivated here in a unique agricultural practice show just how resilient both man and nature are. ------- Chapters ▷ 0:00 - Intro ▷ 00:49 - Lanzarote - Land of 100 Volcanoes | In the Shadow of Volcanoes (5/5) ▷ 44:42 - Credits ------- ------- Millions of people around the world live under the shadow of a volcano. We have chosen

Since the destruction of Pompeii, Vesuvius has erupted many times, but the lava flow has followed different routes. Archaeological remains around the mountain show that for millennia the towns to the north and east of the mountain have fallen victim more often than Naples and Pompeii. Vesuvius has erupted 30 times in recorded history, and is long overdue for another eruption. The last was in 1944 and killed 26 people. Today the city if Naples and the towns that surround the mountain are inhabited by over 3 million people and the houses of the city have been built so close to the summit and with such poor urban planning that the labyrinth of roads would make escape from the lava flows and boiling ashes almost impossible. The episode is particularly focused on the urbanization of this volcanic area, the evacuation routes and what the people of the huge Vesuvius “Red Zone” might encounter. The scenario is nightmarish. On the one hand the main evacuation routes are along the coastal roads in and out of Naples (northwards and north eastwards) and

Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia are 3 countries that couldn't be further away from the heart of war-torn Europe. But despite this, several key battles between the Allies and Axis powers took place here. They saw some of the harshest fighting in the most adverse conditions. But how did war reach the continent of Africa? War Stories is your one stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts. You can find more from us on

We’re witnessing the comeback of a small river and an entire landscape. For decades the Emscher in the Ruhr District was the most polluted river in Europe. Now it’s being returned from an industrial sewer to a natural river system. With the help of waste water treatment plants, liberated river beds and returning animal species, a unique natural region is blossoming – one with a very special industrial heritage. ------- Chapters ▷ 00:00 - Introduction ▷ 00:58 - The Emscher Becomes a Sewer ▷ 02:11 - A Plan to Restore the River ▷ 05:14 - Mining, Sewage, and Pollution ▷ 07:59 - The Filthiest River in Europe ▷ 09:54 - Fighting for a Cleaner Emscher ▷ 12:10 - Citizens' Protests Begin ▷ 16:06 - Building a New Sewage System ▷ 21:35 - A Rare Fish Returns - The Bullhead ▷ 25:25 - From Steelworks to Lake Phoenix ▷ 29:40 - Nature Comes Back to the Ruhr ▷ 33:12 - The Protected Emscher Bullhead ▷ 35:12 - A Region Reinventing Itself ▷ 37:07 - Flood Protection and Wetlands ▷ 39:02