Human Impact On Our Ecosystems
Everglades: Decades of Damage (#103)
Two scientists wade through the Everglades, evading alligators, one of its many wonders, while other investigators explore its topography and history. Human intervention in the last century had good intentions (hurricane control, swamp drainage) but resulted in increased storm damage, loss of natural water cleansing, and other unintended consequences. [29 minutes]
This episode has not aired in the past few months on Iowa Public Television.
Series Description: A spectacular, award-winning portrayal of the negative and positive effects humans have had on the aquifers, springs, streams, rivers, wetlands, and oceans that comprise over 2/3 of our planet. Each program is a case study of these water ecosystems in Florida, showing scientific and social processes that apply to water ecologies in all states and regions of the U.S. and beyond.
All Episodes
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Surface & Subsurface Waters (#101)
Gripping and enlightening, this program shows the interconnection of surface and subsurface waters. Two expert diver/scientists enter a Florida spring, floating crystal-clear waters over a heart-stopping tunnel drop into the black depths, and then follow an underground river for several miles. [29 minutes]
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Restoring Damaged Rivers (#102)
A team of diver/scientists explores Florida’s St. John’s River from its source and along its tributaries until it empties into the Atlantic. They go below and above the river to show how humans have damaged watersheds. [29 minutes]
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Everglades: Decades of Damage (#103)
Two scientists wade through the Everglades, evading alligators, one of its many wonders, while other investigators explore its topography and history. Human intervention in the last century had good intentions (hurricane control, swamp drainage) but resulted in increased storm damage, loss of natural water cleansing, and other unintended consequences. [29 minutes]
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Restoration of Florida's Everglades (#104)
Scientific technologies and techniques are starting the restoration of the Everglades wetlands to nearly its pristine, natural state. Newly introduced and engineered plants are being used to cleanse the water of fertilizer chemicals and pollutants before reintroducing it back into the wetlands. [29 minutes]