How Mountains Shape the Climate
In How Mountains Shape the Climate, narrator Sir David Attenborough takes in soaring views that reveal the extreme altitude of the Himalayas. These mountains are so high that they force the formation of clouds and monsoon rain and snow. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: Describe the Himalayas, including how they formed.
A: They stretch across one tenth of the planet; they are the highest mountains in the world; they were created by the collision of continents 50 million years ago; they are still rising; they help shape the climate.
Q: Explain how the Himalayas shape climate.
A: Warm winds from India, full of moisture, are forced upward. The air cools and forms clouds, which bring monsoon rains and snow.
Q: Looking at this dramatic footage, are you tempted at all to climb the Himalayas? Why or why not?
A: Student responses will vary.
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In How the Snow Affects Animals, narrator Sir David Attenborough describes how predators stalk a herd of markhor goats. When snow starts to fall, the golden eagle is hindered, but the snow leopard is helped. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In The Tall Grasses of India, narrator Sir David Attenborough looks at the different animals that live in the tall grasses of India including the female pygmy hogs as they collect elephant grass to build a nest. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In The Formation of the Gobi Desert, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the Gobi Desert and its origin. The Himalayas force air upwards, creating rainfall. When the air reaches the other side of the mountains, it is drier. This weather pattern formed the Gobi Desert. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Bar-Headed Goslings in the Nest, host Andy Day describes how bar-headed geese fly over the Himalayas to land in Tibet and have their babies. Mother geese make cozy nests to house their goslings. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Andy’s Animal Babies, in which Andy Day explores the lives and experiences of baby animals.