It Looks Like a Desert. But It Has Thousands of Lakes

Video Description

Lençóis Maranhenses sits at the intersection of three biomes—a rare overlap that supercharges biodiversity. Across 350 square miles of dunes, the rainy season brings thousands of crystal blue lagoons into view, many big enough to swim in. What makes this surreal environment possible? And why, even after 2 million years in existence, does it still feel so mysterious? Untold Earth explores the seeming impossibilities behind our planet’s strangest, most unique natural wonders. From fragile, untouched ecosystems to familiar but unexplained occurrences in our own backyard, this series chases insight into natural phenomena through the voices that know them best. Untold Earth is produced in partnership with Atlas Obscura and Nature. ***** Please be sure to share your feedback in the PBS Digital Studios Annual Survey! https://to.pbs.org/2025SurveyUntold ***** PBS Member Stations rely on viewers like you. To support your local station, go to: http://to.pbs.org/DonateTerra ***** Subscribe to PBS Terra so you never miss an episode! https://bit.ly/3mOfd77 And keep up with PBS Terra on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/pbsdigitalstudios Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pbsterra Instagram: https://instagram.com/pbsterra Correction (October 30, 2025): This video's co-producer's name is correctly spelled Beatriz Maglione. The on-screen credit contains a misspelling. Our sincere apologies for the error — and thank you for your fantastic work, Beatriz! Special thanks Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation / Ministry of Environment and Climate Change