The Great Missoula Flood is a documentary film released in 2018, directed by Eli Rochlin and starring Michael J. Oard. The film showcases one of the most significant natural disasters in North American history from a scientific standpoint. The Great Missoula Flood took place almost 15,000 years ago when an ice dam that created a large lake in western Montana, United States, broke and unleashed billions of gallons of water into the state's valleys.
The documentary starts by introducing Michael J. Oard, a scientist, and author, who has researched extensively on the catastrophic effects of this flood. Oard has studied the geological evidence and analyzed the underlying mechanisms behind the Missoula Flood, which occurred during the last ice age. The introduction acts as a foundation for the central theme of the documentary- the impact of the Missoula Flood on the physical and biological structures of the areas it affected.
The film takes a comprehensive approach to explain the natural event through Oard's description and visualization of the geographical terrains that characterized the former site of the Lake Missoula. Using boots-on-the-ground footage, the documentary shows the different layers of rock that Oard identified to determine the flow of the flood. The film also uses aerial imagery as a tool to paint a vivid picture of the terrain's scale and scope, which helps the viewers understand the magnitude of such a natural phenomenon.
The Great Missoula Flood goes into great depth as it describes the sequence of events that led to the flood. The documentary highlights the critical role of the melting glaciers that amassed enormous amounts of water within the basin. It then depicts how the ice dam that held the water back eventually broke, causing catastrophic flooding that transformed the landscape. The movie's portrayal of the series of events is a remarkable blend of scientific facts and explanations that provide a comprehensive understanding of the Missoula Flood.
The documentary also explores how the Missoula Flood impacted and changed the landscape of the states downstream of Montana. The film touches on the effects of the Missoula Flood on the Columbia River Gorge, including the formation of the area's iconic landforms such as gorges and canyons. It also looks at the sediment and gravels that the flood brought to the Willamette Valley, which significantly affected the area's soil fertility and agricultural development.
The Great Missoula Flood also examines the effect that the flood had on the wildlife of the region. It explains how the flora and fauna of the areas affected by the flood had to adapt to new ecological niches as the former habitats were destroyed by the floodwaters. The documentary shows how the massive floods created new ecosystems that supported a diversity of plant and animal life.
One of the most impressive features of the documentary is how it weaves Michael J. Oard's scientific discoveries into a compelling narrative that is easy for everyone to follow. The film's visual appeal, coupled with Michael's explanations, makes it engaging and informative. It also emphasizes the importance of geological research for understanding our planet's history and identifying the risks posed by natural phenomena such as floods and earthquakes.
In conclusion, The Great Missoula Flood is a film that provides a fascinating account of one of the most significant natural disasters in American history. The documentary is timely as it shows the changes that occur when nature is allowed to take its course. The movie does an excellent job of demonstrating the complexities of geological processes and how they can impact our ecosystem drastically. The Great Missoula Flood is highly recommended for anyone interested in science, geography, or nature.
The Great Missoula Flood is a 2014 special interest movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes.
