Flying is statistically the safest way to travel, but if you've been on a flight, the chances are you've felt at little less safe than you'd like at one point or another. You might spill your drink, get a sudden jolt or feel that drop in your stomach. This, of course, is a result of turbulence. But did you know, that even though it might make you fear for your life, turbulence is actually essential for our lives?

Jonathan spoke to Ivan Marusic, Professor in the department of mechanical engineering at the Melbourne School of Engineering, about why we experience turbulence, and what exactly it is we're feeling.