Ep 5. Thunder Down Under

In season 2, episode 5 of Angry Planet, titled "Thunder Down Under," the host, George Kourounis, travels to Australia to explore the country's extreme weather patterns and the effects of lightning strikes on its landscape.

The episode begins with Kourounis visiting a small town that was recently hit by a lightning storm. He talks to locals who describe the intensity of the storm, with lightning strikes hitting just meters away from their homes. Kourounis then meets with a lightning researcher who explains the science behind these intense electrical storms, including how they form and what types of lightning can occur.

Next, Kourounis travels to the Australian Outback to witness the aftermath of a massive lightning strike that ignited a remote wildfire. He joins a team of wildlife experts who are assessing the damage and checking on the wellbeing of local animal populations. The team finds that many animals have been killed in the fire, but they also discover some surprising survivors, such as wallabies that are able to retreat to underground burrows to escape the flames.

Throughout the episode, Kourounis also explores the different types of lightning that can occur in the Australian landscape. He witnesses "dry lightning" storms, which do not produce any rain but create a great risk of wildfires due to the dry conditions. He also observes the phenomenon of "positive lightning," which is a rare type of lightning strike that is much more powerful than typical lightning bolts and can cause serious damage to trees and other structures.

Another highlight of the episode is Kourounis' visit to a remote research station that is studying the effects of lightning on soil composition and vegetation growth. The researchers explain how lightning strikes can actually stimulate plant growth by releasing nutrients into the soil. Kourounis helps the researchers out with some data collection, including using a drone to map the vegetation in the area.

Overall, "Thunder Down Under" is a fascinating look at the power and beauty of lightning in the Australian landscape. It provides valuable insights into the science and effects of these electrical storms, as well as the impact they can have on local ecosystems and communities. Kourounis' natural enthusiasm and curiosity make him an entertaining and engaging guide as he travels across the country, meeting with locals and experts alike to explore this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.