As a point of reference, water freezes at 0 C and boils at 100 C. And for most Canadians, 30 C constitutes a hot summer’s day. But what if you doubled it? Can you even imagine just how hot it would be? With temperatures that soar to a staggering 60 C, the Danakil Depression in Northern Ethiopia is the hottest and harshest place on Earth. Premiering Sunday, January 10 at 8 p.m. ET9 p.m. PT on Discovery Channel, HOTTEST PLACE ON THE EARTH follows a team of experts as they make the harrowing journey to the Danakil region to see how its people and animals survive in a new one-hour special. Then, the evening gets even hotter as scientists grapple with an explosive problem in ENGINEERING VOLCANOES, premiering Sunday, January 10 at 9 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT.
HOTTEST PLACE ON THE EARTH (1 x 60)
Sunday, January 10 at 8 p.m. ET/9 p.m. PT
The Danakil Depression in Northern Ethiopia is the hottest, harshest and most scientifically rich area on Earth. There is almost no water. It is one of the most geologically active areas on the planet, where volcanoes and earthquakes rip the Earth apart, opening vast fissures in a matter of hours. And despite boasting exceptional geology, an extraordinary climate (with temps shooting to 60 C), distinctive tribal community and logic-defying wildlife – virtually nothing is known of this unforgiving region. Now, a team of top scientists and international experts – including volcanologists, anthropologists, medics, zoologists, and vets – participate in a cutting-edge, multi-discipline mission to explore one of the least known but most fascinating regions on the planet.
Here, they meet the Afar, a legendary warrior tribe, who rely on their camels and goats for survival. BBC presenter Kate Humble investigates how tough life is for an Afar woman; veterinary scientist Steve Leonard wants to learn about the relationship between the Afar and their animals, and to help with animal medicine where he can; Dr Mukul Agarwal looks at the health issues faced in this most hostile of environments. Then, earth scientist Dougal Jerram looks at the extraordinary volcanic activity of the region and its impact on the bigger geological picture of the Rift Valley; and biologist Richard Wiese searches for extreme life forms in the boiling soil of a massive volcanic fissure.
ENGINEERING VOLCANOES (1 x 60)
Sunday, January 10 at 9 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT
Volcanoes can kill thousands, destroy entire cities, and change the global climate. But for all our fascination with these monsters of nature, we still can’t control them. This daring one-hour special explores the mysterious inner workings of volcanoes to see just how they do their damage. Discover how scientists are learning to predict the timing and severity of eruptions to give residents in close proximity enough time to escape when volcanoes blow.