Volcano Stories — Season 1, Episode 9: Ecuador - Beneath the Cotopaxi Glacier

Episode synopsis

In Ecuador, the Cotopaxi volcano rises to almost 5 900 meters in altitude. The glaciers that cover its crest are constantly being monitored : in the event of an eruption, their melting could cause devastating mudslides. Scientific expeditions conducted at such high altitude are a real challenge, especially for Arnaud Guérin, who suffers from acute mountain sickness. At the foot of the volcano, the Chagras move their cattle on horseback. If an eruption occurs, they can quickly evacuate their endangered herds. Santiago Benitez is a shaman who keeps the temazcal tradition alive. It is a very ancient spiritual practice that involves heating volcanic rocks.

About Volcano Stories

No two volcanoes are alike; each one has its own distinctive landscape, climate, and geological context. Just as unique are the people we meet along the way who help us comprehend how greatly our planet – and our lives – have been shaped by volcanic phenomena. For the scientific aspect of each episode, we explore the very diverse range of questions raised by volcanic phenomena in such varied fields as earth sciences, climatology, biodiversity, oceanography, geography, agronomics, and archaeology. The cultural part of the show delves into mythology, religion, philosophy, folk and artistic traditions, cooking, and ways of life.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Etna: The Mountain Mountain
• E2Bromo - The Sacred Volcano of Java
• E3Tanzania - A Volcano on Maasai Territory
• E4Westman Islands - The Volcanic Guardians of Iceland
• E5Unzen - Man Versus Giant
• E6Hawaii - The Lava of Kilauea
• E7Kawah Ijen: The Hell of Sulfur
• E8Auvergne: The Mysteries of Its Sleeping Giants
• E10Naples: A Volcano Can Hide Another
• E11Aeolian Islands - From Hell to Paradise
• E12New Zealand: Human Treasures
• E13Reunion Island: in the Heart of the Volcanoe