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North America’s mountain chains were formed by volcanic eruptions. Travel from Canada across the Grand Canyon and to the Rockies to see its origins.

Origins of North America

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This extraordinary series tells the story of the genesis of Earth's continents. It's the story of a grand waltz of plate tectonics, the perpetual evolution of Earth&rsquo;s crust. Continents assemble and separate, fueling volcanoes and earthquakes, building mountains and tearing valleys. We see the Earth, a billion years in the making, through the investigative eyes of geologists and other scientists.

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Gondwana, a single landmass, broke apart into today’s continents, but its heart is Africa. Africa’s mineral deposits testify to its eons-old history.

Origins of Africa

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Volcanic activity defines Africa’s “modern” history. Fifty million years ago, the Arabian plate snapped off Africa and joined Southeast Asia.

Africa Today

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Central America, a fragile line of islands linking North and South America, and the Caribbean are recent apparitions and may not be here to stay.

Formation of Central America

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The Andes and the Amazonian basin: Two geological characteristics that describe how the continent came into being. The Amazon was once under the sea.

Origins of South America

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Welded to Antarctica for millions of years, Australia is today a continent that enjoys extraordinary stability. Its neighbors aren't as lucky.

Oceania: Tectonic Ring of Fire

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Discover the incredible volcanic phenomenon that caused Earth's greatest extinction. Asia was the site of the world’s most violent tectonic collision.

Asia: The Tectonics of Life and Death

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Tectonic activity in the south extends as far as Nepal and the Tibetan plain. China is also affected and, like Japan, is exposed to daily earthquakes.

Asia: Rising Mountains and Sinking Countries

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From a world of chaotic forms and colors, over time, high mountain chains sprung up in Scandinavia and Scotland, where today great central plains lie.

Europe: Tropical Beginnings

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Scientists working in the field will provide us with an understanding of the history of our Earth, and its majestic and destructive phenomena. 