Arctic Drift
nova

Journey to the top of the world with scientists as they embark on the most ambitious Arctic research expedition of all time. The Arctic - a vast frozen ocean, shrouded in darkness for half the year - is warming at twice the rate as the rest of the globe. Since the northern ice cap acts as a cooling system for the entire planet, what happens in the Arctic doesn't stay in the Arctic. As the ice cap melts, the world warms faster, disrupting weather patterns, diverting ocean currents, and endangering biodiversity. Yet because the Arctic is so inaccessible and inhospitable, establishing exactly what's going on and forecasting its future have proven elusive. Now, Arctic Drift takes viewers on a groundbreaking expedition that will bring vital new clarity to scientists' predictions of global change. Experts from twenty different nations join the voyage of the 12, 000-ton Polarstern icebreaker as it's gripped by the polar ice and drifts for an entire year. From this unique research station, they can make previously impossible long-term observations and experiments. But long hours in this harsh environment bring their own challenges, including hungry polar bears, perilous sea ice cracks, and equipment failure. With breathtaking cinematography, heart-wrenching personal stories, and high stakes science, Arctic Drift follows the scientists in their risky race against time to understand the Arctic before it changes our world forever.

Duration: 56 minutes and 46 seconds

Episode Number: 4813

About Nova:

PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines.

Along the way, NOVA programs demystify science and technology and highlight the people involved in scientific pursuits.


Watch Nova - Clips, Episodes & Previews


Future Broadcast times for "Nova": (show all)

Wed, Oct 22 9:00 P.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NHPBS (11.1)
Thu, Oct 23 1:00 A.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NHPBS (11.1)
Fri, Oct 24 3:00 P.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NHPBS (11.1)
Sat, Oct 25 2:00 P.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Oct 26 5:00 A.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Oct 26 7:00 A.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NHPBS (11.1)
Sun, Oct 26 8:00 P.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Oct 26 9:00 P.M. Nazca Desert Mystery     NH Explore (11.2)
Mon, Oct 27 12:00 A.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NH Explore (11.2)
Mon, Oct 27 1:00 A.M. Nazca Desert Mystery     NH Explore (11.2)
Tue, Oct 28 7:00 P.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NH World (11.3)
Wed, Oct 29 12:00 A.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NH World (11.3)
Wed, Oct 29 8:00 A.M. Ancient Desert Death Trap     NH World (11.3)
Wed, Oct 29 9:00 P.M. Superfloods     NHPBS (11.1)
Thu, Oct 30 1:00 A.M. Superfloods     NHPBS (11.1)
Fri, Oct 31 3:00 P.M. Superfloods     NHPBS (11.1)


NHPBS Over-the-Air Broadcast

WENH-TV Ch. 11 Durham

WLED-TV Ch. 48 Littleton

WEKW-TV Ch. 18 Keene

W50DP-D Ch. 50 Hanover

W34DQ-D Ch. 34 Pittsburg

Cable and Satellite Channels


NHPBS Five Channels

NHPBS - 11.1

Explore - 11.2

World - 11.3

Create - 11.4

Kids - 11.5

All of our channels and NHK World Japan are streaming LIVE ONLINE and on the PBS App, available on most devices.

Learn More


 

Community Impact

NHPBS NHPBS Passport Passport

Maigret | Episode 1: The Lazy Burglar, Part 1
The Gold | Episode 1
This Old House | E2 | Carolina Comeback | Rising Out of the Muck
Ask This Old House | E2 | Seashell Driveway, Radon System | Ask This Old House
American Experience | The Presidents: FDR (Part 2)
Antiques Roadshow | Vintage San Jose, Hour 2
Sacred Planet with Gulnaz Khan | Stopping the Desert
Big Cats 24/7 | A Pride Divided
The Caverns Sessions | Ruby Waters
Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect | Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect
Unforgotten | Episode 2
The Marlow Murder Club | Episode 2
Professor T | Overboard
The Last Ecstatic Days | The Last Ecstatic Days
The Carnival of More Animals | The Carnival of More Animals
Cinema Nomad | Bosnia & Herzegovina
Wisdom Keepers: Healing a Divided People | John Vervaeke - Finding Meaning Through our Common Connections
The Future of Farming | The Future of Farming
Kerry: Tides of Time | Episode 1
VOCES | Slumlord Millionaire
Impossible Town | Impossible Town
American Masters | Marcella [Extended Audio Description]
POV | Made in Ethiopia
Renaissance: The Blood and the Beauty | Rivalry
Doc World | Call Me Dancer
City of Songs | Austin: The Next Verse
Grantchester | Episode 8
Walking with Dinosaurs | The Orphan
Patience | Paper Mountain Girl (Part 1)
From Fear to Hope: The HIV and AIDS Journey | From Fear to Hope: The HIV and AIDS Journey
Dementia and Living Well | Dementia and Living Well
Grown Up Dad | Screentime Dilemma