Expert Tips for Surviving the Harsh Arctic Cold

Are you planning a trip to the Arctic? Before you go, you should know how people survive in this extreme environment. In this article, we will answer the question, How do people survive the cold in the Arctic?

The Arctic Region

The Arctic is a vast and extreme region located at the northernmost part of the planet. It encompasses the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The Arctic has a cold and dry climate with temperatures that can drop to -40 °C (-40°F).

The Arctic is home to the indigenous population known as the Inuit, who have lived in this region for thousands of years. They have developed unique skills and techniques that allow them to survive in the harsh Arctic environment.

Clothing and Shelter

To survive in the Arctic, people rely on appropriate clothing and shelter. Arctic clothing must provide warmth, protection from the cold wind, and moisture control. It includes layers of clothing made of materials such as wool, down, and synthetic fibers. The Inuit used animal hides and furs as clothing materials because of their insulating properties and durability.

Shelter in the Arctic can be a challenge due to the lack of trees. The Inuit traditionally built igloos, which are dome-shaped shelters made of snow blocks. They also built tents using animal hides and furs or constructed semi-subterranean houses called sod houses.

Food and Water

Food and water are essential for survival in the Arctic. The Inuit traditionally relied on hunting and fishing for their food. They hunted seals, whales, and walruses and fished for Arctic char and other fish. The Inuit would also gather berries and forage for other plants during the short summer period.

The Inuit would melt ice or collect water from streams for drinking purposes. They brewed tea made from spruce needles to prevent scurvy, which is a common disease caused by a lack of vitamin C.

Transportation

Transportation in the Arctic can be challenging due to the harsh terrain and weather conditions. The Inuit traditionally used dog sleds to transport themselves and their belongings across the snowy landscape. They also used kayaks and umiaks, which are open boats made of animal hides stretched over a wooden frame, to navigate the waterways.

Today, snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles have replaced traditional transportation methods in some communities.

Conclusion

As you can see, surviving in the Arctic requires unique skills and techniques. Appropriate clothing and shelter, access to food and water, and reliable transportation are crucial for survival. If you’re planning a trip to the Arctic, make sure to take these factors into consideration and prepare accordingly.