skip to main content

How the Earth Was Made: The Ring of Fire

44 minutes, 1 second

Videos are generally available for preview to non-members as short clips. Limited full-length titles are also available. Log In to view the full length title.

Browse Full-length Non-member Titles
Lava shooting into the air. Caption: pouring out of volcanoes all around the Ring of Fire.

As shown on the History Channel, "How the Earth Was Made: The Ring of Fire" explores the geology of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where most of Earth’s volcanoes and earthquakes occur. The video explains key Earth science concepts including plate tectonics, subduction, stratovolcanoes, magma, silica, viscosity, seismic activity, megathrust earthquakes, tsunamis, deep-ocean trenches, and mantle convection. Using examples from Alaska, Mount St. Helens, Krakatoa, and Mount Pinatubo, it shows how water-rich ocean sediments and moving tectonic plates generate explosive volcanic eruptions and powerful earthquakes. The documentary also connects seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges to the ongoing cycle of crust creation and destruction. This content strongly supports school curricula in geology, Earth systems, natural hazards, and scientific investigation. Part of the "How the Earth Was Made" series.

Media Details

Runtime: 44 minutes, 1 second

ASL
Steeply sloping walls of layered, red sedimentary rock. Caption: the Grand Canyon remains the most famous of them all.
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 1
44 minutes 1 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
ASL
A volcano emits ash and smoke, as seen from a city street. Caption: (narrator) It's the nightmare scenario that everyone fears.
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 2
44 minutes 1 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
ASL
Molten, glowing sphere being pelted by rocks. Caption: was the fledgling Earth.
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 3
44 minutes 3 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
ASL
Sand dunes. Caption: The wind that builds them also blows them away,
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 4
44 minutes 51 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
ASL
A rocky sheer cliff with a river cascading down the face of it, as seen from above. Caption: is shaping this magnificent landscape.
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 5
44 minutes 21 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
ASL
Illustration of a plate of Earth's crust being pushed beneath a second plate. Caption: (narrator) As the two plates moved towards each other,
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 6
44 minutes 1 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
ASL
Lava shooting into the air. Caption: pouring out of volcanoes all around the Ring of Fire.
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 7
44 minutes 1 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Tall, snowy, and rocky mountain as seen from below. Caption: Is Everest shrinking or growing?
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 8
44 minutes 1 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Several volcanoes oozing lava and emitting smoke. Caption: They were pushed back by these mountains of fire.
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 9
44 minutes 1 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Lava field in foreground with evergreen trees and snowy mountain in background. Caption: Southwest of St. Helens, he investigates an area
How the Earth Was Made
Season 2 / Ep 10
44 minutes 50 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12