Planet Earth: 'Pole to Pole'

Volcano Backbone

The South American Andes form the world's largest mountain chain, extending from the equator to Antarctica. This 5,000 mile range was formed when the Pacific Ocean floor slid under the South American continent, buckling the land.
(Episode: 'Mountains')

MORE RESOURCES

• Discovery.com: Planet Earth
• 'Planet Earth' Trailer

Himalayan Origins

The Himalayan Mountains were formed 50 million years ago, when the Indian sub-continent collided with Tibet. The Himalayas are the tallest mountains in the world and are still rising.
(Episode: 'Mountains')

African Savannahs

As the seasons change in the African Savannah, rainwater floods the plains. The water encourages plant growth and frees animal herds to roam away from watering holes.
(Episode: 'Great Plains')

Hurricane Formation

As the sun heats the ocean, water evaporates and wind currents form a hurricane. The winds blow sand from the Sahara Desert to the jungles of South America.
(Episode: 'Pole to Pole')

Seasons Changing

As winter retreats at high altitudes, grasses and trees begin to thrive. A belt of forests that circles the globe called the tiaga contains a third of the world's trees.
(Episode: 'Pole to Pole')

More About Planet Earth

Check out amazing videos of the planet's extremes, from the largest glaciers to the deepest caves.
Extreme Planet