Watch

The Catastrophe That Killed 90% Of Earth’s Species

10/25/23 | 1m 34s | Rating: NR

252 million years ago, the most devastating mass extinction of all time wiped out around 90% of all species on Earth. The culprit? Liquid magma beneath Pangea’s northern surface that split open the crust and tore apart the landscape, spewing curtains of lava and fire.

FacebookRedditGoogle ClassroomEmail
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust and PBS viewers.
View Transcript

Related Stories from PBS Wisconsin's Blog

Birds-eye view of a white lighthouse beside a small keeper’s house, surrounded by trees and grassy grounds overlooking a lake.

PBS Wisconsin honored with national Public Media Award for innovation

A group of lions sleep on the ground. One lion cub stares at the camera with its head resting on another lion.

What’s new on PBS Wisconsin this September?

A man and woman share a kiss outside near a rustic wooden building. The man, dressed in a suit and tie, cradles a bundled baby in his arms. The woman, wearing a coat and a knitted hat, embraces him warmly.

New seasons of viewer favorites start Jan. 4, 2025, on PBS Wisconsin!

Person wearing a suit and welding mask at work in an industrial setting.

Engineering experts in action: ‘NOVA: Building Stuff’ begins Nov. 13

Olympic Runner Jesse Owens at the 1936 Games

Celebrate the Summer Olympics with PBS Wisconsin

Family sitting on a couch from behind, watching television together in a living room illustration.

Check Out PBS Wisconsin’s Top Streaming Programs of 2020

Donate to Sign Up

Make your membership gift today

Activate Account

Only for new users: Activate Passport using your code or email address

Sign in to Passport

Already a member?
Look up my account

Need some help? Go to FAQ or visit PBS Passport Help

Need help accessing PBS Wisconsin anywhere?

Need help accessing PBS Wisconsin anywhere?