Ep 1. Treacherous Knowledge

In the season 5 premiere of What on Earth?, titled "Treacherous Knowledge," the focus is on uncovering the secrets hidden within the earth's terrain. The episode explores a range of intriguing topics, from the discovery of a long-lost temple in Cambodia that could reveal crucial information about the ancient Khmer Empire, to the hunt for a lost pirate treasure in the Caribbean.

The first segment of the episode takes us to the Cambodian jungle, where archaeologists are using cutting-edge technology to investigate a mysterious temple complex hidden deep in the forest. The team has uncovered evidence suggesting that this may have been the site of the legendary lost city of Mahendraparvata, a major centre of the Khmer Empire that disappeared over a thousand years ago. With the help of drones, high-tech mapping tools, and old-fashioned excavation techniques, the team hopes to uncover clues that will shed light on this fascinating chapter of history.

Next, we move to the Dominican Republic, where a team of divers are embarking on a daring mission to locate the wreckage of a famous pirate ship that may hold untold riches. The ship in question is the Golden Fleece, a legendary vessel that belonged to renowned buccaneer Captain Kidd. Despite numerous attempts over the years to find the ship, its exact location has remained a mystery - until now. The divers are armed with state-of-the-art underwater equipment, including 360-degree cameras and high-powered metal detectors, and hope to finally solve the long-standing mystery of the Golden Fleece.

The third segment of the episode takes us to the remote deserts of southwestern Africa, where geologists are studying a series of bizarre rock formations known as "fairy circles". These circles, which consist of barren patches of earth surrounded by a ring of lush vegetation, have puzzled scientists for decades. Some have speculated that they are the result of natural causes, while others have suggested that they may be the work of termites or other insects. Using a combination of satellite imaging, drone footage, and on-the-ground sampling, the geologists hope to finally uncover the truth behind these enigmatic formations.

In the final segment of "Treacherous Knowledge," we return to the high seas, this time off the coast of Indonesia, where a team of oceanographers are studying an unusual phenomenon known as "mud volcanoes". These underwater eruptions, which spew out large amounts of muddy sediment, have the potential to cause significant damage to nearby marine ecosystems. The team is using a combination of acoustic sensors, submersible drones, and other cutting-edge tools to study the volcanoes and better understand their impact on the environment.

Throughout "Treacherous Knowledge," the What on Earth? team uses the latest technology and investigative techniques to uncover the hidden secrets of our planet. Along the way, viewers will be treated to stunning footage of some of the world's most beautiful and remote locations, and will be introduced to a cast of fascinating scientists and experts who are dedicated to unlocking the secrets of the natural world. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good mystery, this episode is sure to captivate and fascinate.