Big History (2013)

Episode Overview

Mountains create natural borders, influence human migration, offer protection, and regulate weather patterns. From the World War sparked by a shot in the Balkans to the conflicts in the Appalachians, these majestic formations have often been centers of conflict. They yield essential minerals and metals that sustain civilization and provide water for billions, even though humans are not equipped to thrive in their harsh conditions. Without mountains, our planet would be barren and unlivable, and researchers now suggest that an unseen mountain range played a crucial role in enabling life to flourish.