Skip to main content
Access to this video is a benefit for members through PBS Passport.

Up Next

Of Drought And Fire

Of Drought And Fire

Season 16 Episode 1612
26:19
Giants On A Galapagos Island

Giants On A Galapagos Island

Season 16 Episode 1613
26:20
Exploring Arizona's "Big Empty"

Exploring Arizona's "Big Empty"

Season 17 Episode 1701
26:20
Tequilia: Exploring the Legend

Tequilia: Exploring the Legend

Season 17 Episode 1702
26:20
Passions of the Pitaya

Passions of the Pitaya

Season 17 Episode 1703
26:20
Magical Michoacan

Magical Michoacan

Season 17 Episode 1704
26:20
Palms in the Desert

Palms in the Desert

Season 17 Episode 1705
26:20
On the Road to Cajamarca

On the Road to Cajamarca

Season 17 Episode 1706
26:21
Ecuador's Fog Fprest: Mists over the Desert

Ecuador's Fog Fprest: Mists over the Desert

Season 17 Episode 1707
26:20
Hummingbirds: From Desert to Jungle

Hummingbirds: From Desert to Jungle

Season 17 Episode 1708
26:40
Sierra Madre Easter

Sierra Madre Easter

Season 17 Episode 1709
26:20
Ageless Mud: Adobe Homes in the Desert

Ageless Mud: Adobe Homes in the Desert

Season 17 Episode 1710
26:20
Back to Show
The Desert Speaks

Medieval Drought In The Southwest

Season 16 Episode 1611

Between roughly 900 and 1260 AD there was a massive drought that severely impacted the plants, animals and people of the Southwest. David Yetman observes how scientists use tree rings to gather evidence from thousands of years ago. Examine the ruins of some of the people most affected by the drought, the Anasazi Indians. Trek through a “ghost forest” for a first-hand look at “yoda” trees.

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Season
Season 3, Episode 5: Research in the Southwest
27:35
Scientists come from all over the world to study at the Southwestern Research Station.
Season 3, Episode 4: Biodiversity
27:50
How many mysteries are being solved and many benefits realized by the study of the desert.
Season 3, Episode 3: Desert Islands
27:21
Explore some real desert islands where birds, plants and animals struggle to survive.
Season 3, Episode 2: The Gulf of California
27:30
Take a closer look a the animals and plants in and along the Sea of Cortez.
Season 3, Episode 1: The Colorado River
27:51
Explore riparian areas surrounding the Colorado River.
Season 2, Episode 7: Environmental Education
27:42
Take a look at some fascinating ways people can learn about the desert.
Season 2, Episode 6: Spring in the Sonoran Desert
27:41
Spring in the Sonoran Desert is a time of beauty and abundant life.
Season 2, Episode 5: Research in the Desert
27:45
Some amazing research projects which help the wild inhabitants of the desert.
Season 2, Episode 4: The Pinacate
27:41
Explore the hottest and driest region of North America, just south of the border.
Season 2, Episode 3: Desert Riparian Areas
27:25
The arduous journey of water through the Sonoran Desert Valley.
Season 2, Episode 2: The Origin of the Sonoran Desert
27:44
Over millions of years, geological formations have produced the Sonoran Desert.
Season 2, Episode 1: What is a Desert?
27:42
What makes a desert, a desert?
Active loading indicator