Italy's Mystery Mountains

Italy's geography—from the northern mountains to the southern boot of Sicily—is complex, shaped by dramatic forces over eons. Once the site of a shallow, placid ocean, Italy is 75 percent mountainous, featuring two volcanoes that have erupted numerous times, most notably resulting in the famous destruction of Pompeii. In this PBS-aired documentary, filmmakers Diane LaMacchia and Doug Prose explore the mystery and magic of the country's mountains, uncovering new facts while also dispelling old myths. Early scientists were perplexed by the discovery of sea fossils in mountains that were far from any body of water; these fossils, which originally sank to the bottom of the ocean, eventually created the pure white marble so beloved by Renaissance sculptors. Researchers look at the "beautiful mess" of the Italian Alps, as well as the mountain range of the Apennines, which serve as the backbone of Italy, pointing out how subduction—in which tectonic plates collide and sink beneath each other, heaving up land masses (Italy actually separated from what is now France millions of years ago)—contributed to Italy's beautiful mountain and valley scenery. Scientists thought that some Italian mountain ranges were "dead"—i.e., no longer affected by geologic forces—but this has recently been disproven. Much of the focus here is on Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna, the latter being one of the world's most active volcanoes. While volcanoes can be destructive, they also provide food (due to the rich soil), building materials, water, and, of course, tourist dollars. Boasting beautiful views of the Italian countryside, this engaging geology lesson is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)