

How the Blue Ridge Mountains (Almost) Lost Their Blue
Overview combines aerial cinematography with science storytelling to reveal both the natural phenomena and human forces shaping our planet. The series will feature stories about agriculture, engineering, the environment and natural wonders told by the scientists, rangers, farmers and artists who are responsible for innovating the world around us.
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...