For the past ten years on this program, we’ve explored our environment, learned about the cutting edge of science and technology, and tracked the rhythms of nature and traditional culture worldwide. Well, this is our 2000th broadcast, and to celebrate the event, let’s listen again to some of the more remarkable sounds we’ve heard over the last decade. I’m Jim Metzner, and this is the Pulse of the Planet, presented by the American Museum of Natural History.
ambience: Lava flow, Hawaii
From our series of programs on Hawaiian volcanoes, we’re listening to the edge of a slow moving volcanic lava flow. And if it sounds like broken glass, that’s because it cools and breaks as it turns from a liquid lava to a solid silicate – a substance which is very similar to glass.
ambience: Oropendola bird, Rainforest
Now this is one of the more surreal sounds of the Amazonian rainforest – the male oropendola bird, which hangs upside down on a branch and flaps its wings, whirling around to an upright position– all while making this remarkable vocalization. Like many bird calls, this one is thought to be an expression of territoriality while advertising for a mate.
Lastly, here’s a song from the Bayaka, traditional hunter-gatherers of Central Africa and masterful musicians.
ambience: Bayaka song
Additional funding for Pulse of the Planet has been provided by the National Science Foundation. I’m Jim Metzner.