Fou
r Unusual Cold Facts
When we think of winter, we often associate it with frosty temperatures, snow-covered landscapes, and warming ourselves by a fire. However, there are some less commonly known facts about the cold that may surprise you. Here are four unusual cold facts to expand your knowledge.
1. The Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth
You may have heard of the freezing temperatures in Antarctica or the Arctic, but did you know that the coldest inhabited place on earth is actually Oymyakon, Russia? Located in the Siberian region of Yakutia, Oymyakon has recorded temperatures as low as -90°F (-67.7°C). Surprisingly, around 500 people call this frigid place home, and live off the land by hunting and fishing.
2. The Oldest Ice
In 2018, a team of scientists discovered the oldest ice on earth - over 2.7 million years old. This ice, taken from a glacier in Antarctica, contains air bubbles that provide clues about the earth's climate history. By studying these air samples, researchers hope to better understand our planet's past and future climate patterns.
3. The World's Largest Snowflake
While flurries of snowflakes may seem small and delicate, there is a record of a snowflake that measured in at an incredible 15 inches (38 cm) wide and 8 inches (20 cm) thick. This monster snowflake was measured in January 1887 in Fort Keogh, Montana, USA. It is believed to be the largest snowflake ever recorded.
4. Freeze-Dried Corpses
In the 1990s, it was discovered that some bodies on Mount Everest had been preserved by the cold, dry environment. Known as "Green Boots," one such body belonged to Tsewang Paljor, an Indian climber who died in 1996. Despite attempts to remove the body, it remains on the mountain and serves as a stark reminder of the perils of climbing. Similarly, in 1984, two climbers on the mountain of Llullaillaco in Argentina were discovered frozen in time. These perfectly preserved Incan children remain a remarkable discovery for archeologists and have been studied to reveal insights about Incan society.
In conclusion, the cold can reveal some fascinating facts about our planet and the way it works. From Siberian settlements to ancient glaciers, from colossal snowflakes to freeze-dried corpses, the cold can offer unexpected insight into our world.
