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Scientists are obsessed with this lake - Nicola Storelli and Daniele Zanzi

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TEDEd Animation

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In the millions of years since oxygen began saturating Earth’s oceans and atmosphere, most organisms have evolved to rely on this gas. However, there are some places where oxygen-averse microorganisms like those from Earth’s earliest days have re-emerged. And one such place is hidden high in the Swiss Alp’s Piora Valley. Nicola Storelli and Daniele Zanzi dive into the depths of Lake Cadagno.

Nowadays, only about 200 meromictic lakes are known worldwide. Why are they so rare? What is their main particularity compared to common (holomictic) lakes?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Nicola Storelli, Daniele Zanzi
  • Director Ivana Volda, Thomas Johnson Volda
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Composer Stephen LaRosa
  • Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Sazia Afrin
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace

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