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Science and Nature
Overview

How the Blue Ridge Mountains (Almost) Lost Their Blue

Overview is a nature series with an unexpected perspective. Breathtaking visuals zoom out to reveal Earth’s grand forces, then dive in to uncover hidden stories. Each episode is a journey of discovery, inviting viewers to see the planet more clearly and from a whole new point of view.

How the Blue Ridge Mountains (Almost) Lost Their Blue

Season 1 Episode 1 | 6m 53s | CC

The trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains are responsible for that dreamy blue haze on the horizon. Trees produce fine mists of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which scatter blue light waves. In the mid-90s, the area had serious air quality issues. Not only was it dangerous to breathe, the hazy blue was disappearing from the horizon. But it wasn’t just the trees fault. Here’s what happened...

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