The Earth's Furies

Whilst some countries, such as the United States, are more affected than others, tornadoes are slowly gaining ground all over the world, destroying everything in their path. But how do they start? How can we predict them and minimise their destruction? Is global warming responsible for their increasing frequency? This episode explores the science behind tornadoes and their increasing frequency.

Anywhere on the planet where there is snow, no mountain is spared. Depending on the type of snow, the weather and the slope, an avalanche can reach incredible speeds: more than 300km per hour. A small avalanche can exert the same amount of pressure as a cyclone. Researchers and security experts have set up techniques to detect dangerous areas and limit their impact.

With new scientific knowledge, we know how electrical charges inside clouds are created, and new technology can monitor lightning moving through the sky. However, it can hit anything, anywhere, at any time and it cannot be stopped. Nowhere is unaffected by this devastating and frightening natural phenomenon.