Abstract:

"From Bali to New Zealand, from California, volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis make their home in the area known as the 'ring of fire.' Stretching over 30,000 miles around the rim of the Pacific Ocean, the ring contains more than 75% of all the active volcanoes in the world and has been the site of the most destructive earthquakes and volcanoes in recorded history. The geological disturbances along the ring have also created lands rich in natural resources and mineral wealth, inspired ancient legends and wielded a profound effect on the people and cultures there. The series goes beneath the scientific surface to explore the ways these cultures cope with the geological violence that frequents their world. Educators will find it bridges the curriculum from social studies to science. Produced by KCTS/Seattle, Australian Broadcasting Corp., Television New Zealand, NHK/Japan and others. Narrated by Bill Kurtis, the series goes on-location to nine countries." "THE PREDICTION PROBLEM Though modern technology enables scientists to make intelligent guesses, seismic and volcanic prediction remains an imperfect art."