What does Earth look like without water?

While we often think of features like the Grand Canyon as impressive, majestic landscapes, we forget that only 1/3 of this planet of ours is above sea level. The rest is underwater. And while many of us may know what coral reefs or near-shore habiatats look like, we rarely get to see what the seabed looks like on a grander scale. National Geographic, as it turns out, decided that the hidden landscape of the ocean floor needed to be revealed.

Thanks to cutting edge technology and amazing CGI animation, this Sunday, Aug 9^th at 9 PM EST, National Geographic Channel is airing its newest spectacle, Drain The Ocean.

Drain the Ocean takes us on a majesstic journey under the sea, revealing the features that lie beneath the surface. The undersea landscape is far more spectacular than the greatest treasures on land. There are mountains that dwarf Everest and canyons that put the Grand Canyon to shame. And no matter how deep or how far from land, there is life everywhere. Every time we venture to these remote landscapes, we discover more creatures that we didn't know existed and discover new and fantastic features that we never even imagined.

The 2-hour special is fantastic. As a total nerd, I watch a lot of nature and marine programming. As it is, a lot of the impressive stuff is recycled - watch enough Discovery Channel or Animal Planet and you'll see the same images of dumbo squid or whatnot over and over. I was pleasently surprised to find that Drain the Ocean was full of creatures and oceanic landscapes I'd never heard of, let alone seen in any other TV program. And, since so much of it is focused on the deep sea, you can be sure that the Deep Sea News Boys and The Southern Fried Scientist will all approve.

I would tell you all more about it, but it's really worth the time to watch it. You'll see the globe in a whole new light. I strongly suggest that everyone tune in this weekend and check it out. But, just to be sure you're interested, here's a little clip to get your mouth watering. It's about the newest Hawaiian Island rising out of the sea: