Drain the Oceans

Palaeontologists travel from Patagonia to Canada, confronting widely‑held ideas about dinosaurs. Through detailed fieldwork and analysis, they examine fossils across these regions, aiming to demonstrate the authentic characteristics of Jurassic‑era America, overturning popular misconceptions and revealing the real Jurassic Americas.

Secrets of the Dinosaurs is a programme that takes viewers on a scientific adventure. In this episode, a group of palaeontologists set off on a cross‑continental quest, moving from the rugged south of Patagonia to the vast northern reaches of Canada. The series frames their work as a chance to rethink what we think we know about these ancient creatures. The team travels the length of the Americas, starting in Patagonia and heading northward through a range of landscapes until they reach Canada. Their journey isn’t just about covering ground; it’s driven by a clear purpose – to challenge the prevailing ideas that have shaped popular views of dinosaurs. By examining fossils and geological clues along the way, they aim to show that many of those ideas are mistaken. Through their fieldwork, the scientists work to reveal the true picture of the Jurassic period across the two continents. Rather than accepting the familiar stories, they seek to uncover what the ancient Americas actually looked like when dinosaurs roamed. Their findings are intended to replace long‑held myths with evidence‑based understandings, offering a more accurate glimpse of the world that existed millions of years ago. The episode therefore combines travel with science, showing how field investigations across such a wide span can reshape our perception of dinosaur history.