A partnership between KNME and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, DESERT REEF explores the evidence of climate change found in the geologic record of earth’s ancient past to gain new perspectives and insight into the future of our planet.
The world's finest example of fossilized ocean reefs lies in an unlikely place: southern New Mexico and west Texas. Visited by scientists from around the world, these extraordinary prehistoric reefs reveal a fascinating story of profound sea-level fluctuation and climate change more than 250 million years ago. As the planet faces modern climate change and rising sea levels, can the knowledge gleaned from this desert reef help scientists better understand the future?
DESERT REEF was produced and directed by Tim Aydelott, in a partnership between KNME (PBS – Albuquerque/Santa Fe) and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Executive Producers – Michael Kamins and Tim Aydelott. DESERT REEF was sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the Albert I. Pierce Foundation, and the New Mexico Geological Society.
Selected underwater segments from video materials used in the in-house "Carbonate Rocks and Depositional Environments" Technical Training School were granted for inclusion by ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company.
About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, is a regional center of excellence in scientific research, exhibits, and science education.
About KNME-TV
Celebrating over 50 years of service, KNME-TV (PBS - Albuquerque/Santa Fe) serving northern and central New Mexico, broadcasts a wide array of national nature, history, current affairs, health, performance, children's, educational and entertainment programs. KNME-TV produces the multi-award-winning cultural affairs series COLORES!, the weekly public affairs series NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, and a variety of specials highlighting issues and topics of concern and interest to New Mexicans. KNME’s productions are also seen nationwide. KNME operates 4 digital broadcast channels: KNME 5.1 (core PBS and KNME programs), KNME 5.2 (V-me: 24 hour Spanish-language PBS programs), KNMD 9.1 (alternate PBS programs and PBS World) and KNMD 9.2 (Create Channel – Travel, Cooking & How-Tos). KNME-TV is co-licensed to the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Albuquerque Public Schools (APS).