Ep 5. Volcano Devils

Naked Science is a documentary series that explores and investigates scientific mysteries and breakthroughs. In season 10, episode 5, entitled "Volcano Devils," the show delves into the world of volcanoes and the incredible creatures that inhabit them.

The episode takes us on a journey to the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, Italy, and Hawaii to reveal how volcanoes shape the natural world and the way we live as humans. Investigating the incredible geological force of volcanic activity, we learn how lava plumes and eruptions can have devastating consequences, from wiping out whole communities to changing ecosystems and even the global climate.

But this episode goes beyond the destructive power of volcanoes to explore the fascinating and bizarre array of creatures that live in these fiery environments. From the "devil worm," a microscopic creature that thrives in sulfuric acid pools near active volcanoes, to the "volcano rabbit," a tiny lagomorph that only lives in the volcanic highlands of Mexico, we learn how these creatures adapt and evolve to survive in such extreme conditions.

Naked Science also investigates the phenomenon of "volcano lightning," a thunderstorm-like occurrence that accompanies some of the most violent eruptions. The show talks to experts who explain this unique electrical display in the context of the physics of volcanic eruptions, including the fascinating concept of Pyroclastic Density Currents.

Finally, Naked Science concludes with a visit to the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull, which famously erupted in 2010 and caused travel disruption throughout Europe. The show explains how experts monitor volcanic activity to try to predict and mitigate the effects of eruptions, and how the scientific understanding of volcanoes is advancing all the time.

In "Volcano Devils," Naked Science offers a thrilling and informative exploration of the geological and biological wonders of volcanic landscapes. From the destructive power of lava plumes to the incredible resilience of creatures that call volcanoes home, this episode sheds new light on the amazing natural forces that shape our world.