ARTE Documentary: A Tsunami on Lake Geneva | ARTE Documentary

Teacher or professor: ARTE Documentary
Subject: Science
Content of the Lesson: Legend has it that an enormous wave coming off the lake submerged the Geneva area in the 6th century. But did this event really take place? And if so, could a similarly destructive tsunami strike today? Based on the geological traces of a huge wave that would have crossed Lake Geneva in the 6th century and submerged the walls of Geneva, this programme follows an astonishing exploration of the risks of tsunamis on the Alpine lakes. Located in Valais, Switzerland, the mountain of Tauredunum is said to have collapsed in the year 563, raising a wave so high that Lake Geneva would have submerged the walls of Geneva and entered the city. Recorded in chronicles from the time by two bishops, this incredible event has aroused the curiosity of geologists and archaeologists since the 19th century. After decades of futile research this old story was sinking into oblivion. Recently, however, two researchers from the University of Geneva discovered an anomaly deep in the sediments of the lake, that can perhaps only be explained by the hypothesis of the destructive wave of Tauredunum. Geological puzzle Join director Laurent Graenicher and science journalist Pierre-Yves Frei as they go in search of the truth behind this extraordinary event. Their search brings together history, archeology, the history of science, geology and even physics. Generally considered to be specific to the oceans, tsunamis would also affect lakes, and particularly those in the Alps. Could these lakes, now tamed and almost entirely dedicated to leisure, turn into devastating masses again? Geology is clear: what happened yesterday can happen again tomorrow. Available until the 30/08/2020 ARTE Documentary is here to tell you more about what’s going on in the world of culture and current affairs with powerful, refreshing and entertaining docs subtitled in English for our international fans. Discover a whole world on ARTE. Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVogAsASqbceBmQMi1WA39g You can also find us on: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ARTE.tv Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARTEen #Tsunami #LakeGeneva #Legend


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