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Volcanoes

The Fires of Creation

Sorry, this show closed Monday, Aug 1, 2022
Carsten Peter views a lava lake, which are contained within a volcano vent.

Carsten Peter views a lava lake, which are contained within a volcano vent.
A mass of molten lava oozes from an erupting vent.

A mass of molten lava oozes from an erupting vent.
National Geographic photographer Carsten Peter stands near a volcano erupting smoke and steam.

National Geographic photographer Carsten Peter stands near a volcano erupting smoke and steam.
There are more than 500 active volcanoes on Earth.

There are more than 500 active volcanoes on Earth.

Earth is a planet born of fire. 

For billions of years, volcanoes have helped create the world we know. From the continents to the air we breathe and even life itself, all have their origins in fire. These processes have created extraordinary ecosystems and wildlife habitats. With over 500 active volcanoes, the Earth is bursting at the seams with these forces of mass construction. The story of volcanoes is the story of the planet’s creation, and the story of us. In Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation, you'll: 
 
  • Witness never-before-seen footage from the 2018 Kilauea eruption in Hawaii.
  • Explore the archaeological ghost town of Pompeii.
  • Travel across the globe to experience active volcanoes, lava lakes and undersea volcanoes.
  • Discover molten worlds and exploding craters.
  • Descend into a volcano with National Geographic photographer Carsten Peter.
Recent news coverage has brought us small glimpses of the devastation wrought by the Hawaii Kilauea Volcano eruption; intrepid explorer and National Geographic photographer Carsten Peter brings you closer than you ever thought possible. In addition to Hawaii, Volcanoes takes you on a journey around the globe: see the archaeological ghost town of Pompeii, devastated almost 2,000 years ago by Mount Vesuvius; visit Mount Fuji in Japan, which is actually made up of three volcanoes—Fuji on top and two others hidden beneath; and marvel at the black molten lava of Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania. 
 
You'll experience volcanoes up close and personal, and follow the story of volcanoes from the Earth's beginnings right through to modern day. You'll learn how volcanoes create nutrient-rich soils and diverse ecosystems and witness multiple eruptions around the world.

 

 

 

Rave Reviews for Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation

"It is not exaggerating to say that this marvelous documentary provides some of the most breath-taking images you'll ever see." –Fox5SanDiego.com

"If you've ever wondered what it's like to be inside an active volcano, the giant-screen adventure 'Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation' is the film event for you." –USAtoday.com

 

Fun Facts About Volcanoes

  • The word "volcano" comes from the Roman god of fire and metalworking, Vulcan. Rome's oldest shrine to him was built almost 3,000 years ago!
  • One in 20 people in the world live in the danger zone of an active volcano.
  • The loudest reported sound in history was the explosion of Krakatau in Indonesia! It released the energy equivalent of 15,000 nuclear bombs.
  • After Mount Tambora in Indonesia erupted in 1815, the ash from the eruption spread through the Earth’s atmosphere lowering global temperatures and causing 1816 to be known as the Year Without a Summer.
  • In 2015, researchers discovered sharks swimming inside the crater of an active underwater volcano in the Solomon Islands!
  • Some types of lava form glass when they cool quickly. Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass and has been used by humans for thousands of years to make arrowheads.
  • In addition to numerous volcanic fields, cinder cones and lava domes, there are also three dormant stratovolcanoes in California: Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak in Northern California's Cascade Mountains; and the Coso volcano, which is in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range about 125 miles north of Los Angeles. 
 

Field Trips, Private Screenings, Group Discounts

Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation is available for public screenings, school field trip shows, group reservations and private screenings. For school or group reservations, please contact the Client Services Department at (619) 238-1233 ext. 806 or ClientServices@rhfleet.org.

Teachers! The Educator Guide for this film is available for download here. 

If you would like to arrange a private screening of the film, please contact the Special Events Department at (619) 685-5729 or SpecialEvents@rhfleet.org. 

Tickets for public screenings are on sale at the Fleet Science Center ticket counter and at www.fleetscience.org.

Discounted tickets are available to the military and their family members at local military ticket offices. Military can show ID at the Fleet Science Center ticket counter for 10% off ticket sales.

 

Generously sponsored and presented locally by The Shiley Foundation.
 

DVS: Descriptive Video Services adjustable captioning devices allow visitors to see film captions by using a cupholder device within their view. This allows visitors with visual and hearing impairments to hear audio more clearly or hear descriptive film narration alongside film audio through headphones. 

DVS is available for all films unless otherwise noted.

 

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