PBS' TREASURES OF THE EARTH, NOVA to Explore Riches of Our Planet This November

Gemstones, precious metals, and power: Building blocks of our civilization. But where did these treasures come from? How did they shape our past? How will they be used to create the tools of tomorrow? In an epic three-part series, TREASURES OF THE EARTH, NOVA explores the riches of our planet, including those forged deep underneath the surface.

The series examines gems-diamonds, rubies, emeralds-which have brilliantly graced the crowns of royalty and hold secrets not only about their beauty, but the formation of the earth itself. Next, NOVA looks at how metals that sharpened the weapons of war are now an indispensible part of our world today. Without them, we would be without tall buildings, fast vehicles, and even electricity. Finally, NOVA investigates the treasures that power modern civilizations-fuels we use to heat, cool, and light up our cities, to drive our cars and propel our planes. As the demand for energy continues to grow, scientists race to uncover solutions confronting the fuels harming our environment and find new ways to keep the power turned on for future generations.

NOVA's TREASURES OF THE EARTH: GEMS, METALS, and POWER premieres on three consecutive Wednesday nights: November 2, 9, and 16, 2016 at 9PM/8C on PBS (check local listings).

"All around us we see our planet's spectacular riches-but not all of the earth's treasures are on the surface. NOVA takes viewers on a stunning journey exploring the gifts forged deep inside the earth-how they were created, the ways in which they shaped our past, and the resources that built our civilization," said Paula S. Apsell, Senior Executive Producer for NOVA. "Perhaps most importantly, we look at how the development of new technologies and new treasures could help define our future."

TREASURES OF THE EARTH: GEMS
(Premieres November 2, 2016 at 9PM ET/8c on PBS)
The beauty of sparkling gems has captivated mankind for millennia, but what do these seemingly miraculous minerals tell us about our planet? Forged deep inside the earth, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opal, and jade are exquisite treasures. Their cost can be extraordinary; some are even considered priceless. But diamonds are more than just a girl's best friend. They also have played an amazing role in understanding earth as a whole and could hold clues to plate tectonics, one of geology's most enduring mysteries.

In the first hour, Gems, NOVA travels from Tiffany's workshop in New York to the sapphire mines of Sri Lanka, from North Carolina's emerald fields to the jade-laden FORBIDDEN City of China to explore the fascinating Science and chemistry of gems. The film meets with geologists, gemologists, miners, and chemists, to discover how these precious stones are forged. Each one is made from a specific-and often torturous-geologic recipe of chemistry, pressure, and intense heat. "Our earth is a master chef. She knows how to cook," says geologist Lung Chan.

TREASURES OF THE EARTH: METALS
(Premieres November 9, 2016 at 9PM ET/8C on PBS)
In the series' second hour, Metals, NOVA looks at the unique properties of metals and what makes them so special, why they are a pillar of human civilization and how they have enabled our modern hi-tech world to grow. From the enduring luster of gold, to the conductivity of copper, to the strength of steel-metals have reshaped societies and defined eras. But what gives metals their astounding characteristics?

NOVA travels around the globe to demonstrate how humans have perfected metalworking-in the process of making a bronze bell or in the innovative steel construction of Beijing's "Bird's Nest" stadium. The film explores the Science of metals with chemists and engineers as they literally test the mettle of metals and investigate how these remarkable materials have ushered humanity from the STONE AGE to the stars. Ultra thin layers of gold are coating the mirrors of the new James Webb space telescope, giving it the power to detect galaxies light years away. COPPER and its remarkable germ-killing and medicinal powers could help solve hospital-borne superbugs and infections. In a remarkable demonstration involving MRSA, which survives for weeks on stainless steel and plastics, the bacteria dies in minutes on a COPPER slide. Rare earth metals essential to every cell phone and laptop are UNCOVERED in China. The film also highlights scientists working at the cutting edge to create awe-inspiring new materials, such as a "green steel" composed of recycled tires and a synthesized metal foam that can morph into different shapes as needed.

TREASURES OF THE EARTH: POWER
(Premieres November 16, 2016 at 9PM ET/8C on PBS)
In Power, the third and final hour, NOVA drills down to discover the treasures beneath our feet that power our world, and the energy secrets locked in the molecules of these natural resources. Today more than 80 percent of our energy still comes from fossil fuels: the coal, oil and natural gas that powered the industrial revolution and allowed us to build a way of life that many cherish today. But these treasures have a dangerous dark side in that they are affecting the planet's climate. Can we find alternative energy resources that come in a cleaner form?

NOVA explores an array of energy resources-including modern-day oil prospecting in California, natural gas reserves, and Pennsylvania coal mines. The team investigates a uranium cave, guided by a young nuclear physicist who built his first REACTOR at age 14 and is driven to further the development of safe and clean nuclear power. The film also looks at the green technology of solar panels, wind turbines, and LED lights.

Scientists hunt for new treasures that might allow us to power our modern way of life without damaging the environment. Potential solutions include the effort to build the world's largest rechargeable lithium ION battery, factories netting energy from ocean waves in the North Sea, and creating renewable jet fuel from agricultural waste. NOVA gains special access to the master control room of New York's mega-city utility company, which faces the challenge to maintain power and keep the lights on during hot summer days, and travels to China, where an engineer strives to solve one of the greatest obstacles to the success of solar power.

TREASURES OF THE EARTH: GEMS, METALS, and POWER is a dynamic series that looks at earth's hidden assets and the elements that originated in space, which continue to astonish us. Unlocking new secrets about these natural resources could help us tackle today's problems and build our future.

TREASURES OF THE EARTH is a NOVA production co-produced by Pioneer Film and Television Productions Limited with China International TV Corporation with CCTV-10 and PAAN Media Holdings Co., Limited, with KBS Korea in association with PBSd, for WGBH and KBS. TREASURES OF THE EARTH: GEMS and POWER are NOVA productions by Hamilton Land and Cattle, Inc. for WGBH Boston. TREASURES OF THE EARTH: METALS is a NOVA production by Terri Randall Productions for WGBH Boston.

National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Farmers Insurance®. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the David H. Koch Fund for Science, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers. NOVA is produced for PBS by WGBH Boston.

To post a comment, you must register and login.