Question

Discuss the climatic conditions for the coldest places on Earth outside the poles.

Short answer

The coldest places on Earth outside the poles, specifically in regions of Siberia, experience extreme subarctic climate. With temperatures plummeting to -67.7°C, these regions have long, extremely harsh winters and short, mild summers, with low precipitation and humidity. The climate is influenced by several factors including geographical location, height above sea level, sunlight incidence, local wind patterns, and the presence of permafrost.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the coldest places on Earth outside the poles

According to multiple sources, the coldest places on Earth outside the poles are regions in Siberia (specifically, the towns of Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk in Russia). These locations frequently see winter temperatures drop below -50°C.

Study the Weather Conditions

These regions experience an extreme subarctic climate. During winter, the temperatures often plummet to extreme lows not found anywhere else outside Antarctica. Oymyakon is known as the coldest inhabited place on Earth, with temperature reaching record lows of -67.7°C in 1933. Average winter temperatures hover around -50°C with December, January and February being the coldest months. Summers are short, lasting only from June to August, and are milder with average temperatures around 14.9°C in July. Precipitation is low and occurs mostly during the summer.

Understand the Atmospheric Conditions

These areas similar to many other locations within the Arctic and Subarctic circles are subjected to high atmospheric pressure throughout the year, especially during the winter. The lack of sunlight and the consequent absence of thermal heating from the Sun, results in a greater atmospheric pressure. Humidity is low due to the low temperatures and low precipitation.

Discuss the Factors Influencing the Climate

The extremely cold temperatures in these regions can be attributed to several factors. The most important of these include the geographic location, the height above sea level, sunlight incidence angle, and local wind patterns. Additionally, the presence of permafrost also plays a role in maintaining the low temperatures.

Key concepts

Extreme Subarctic Climate

The phrase 'extreme subarctic climate' refers to one of the coldest climate types on Earth, typically found at high latitudes, just south of the Arctic Circle. It characterizes regions like Siberia's Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk, which hold records for the coldest temperatures in inhabited areas outside the poles.

This type of climate is marked by exceedingly low winter temperatures that can dip below -50°C. In Oymyakon, for instance, the average winter temperature hovers around -50°C, with record lows such as the -67.7°C observed in 1933. What's perplexing is how the locals adapt to such harsh conditions.

Surviving Subzero: Life in Oymyakon

Despite the severe cold, life persists in Oymyakon, with residents relying on specialized infrastructure and societal adaptations to withstand the extreme weather. Buildings are specially designed, and dietary practices adjusted, to cope with the frigid temperatures. Ironically, prolonged exposure means that residents may sometimes find the summers, which are short and mild with temperatures around 14.9°C in July, to be uncomfortably warm.

Precipitation Patterns

Furthermore, precipitation is scant and typically falls during the milder summer months. The dry winter air contributes to the sense that the cold is bone-dry, which impacts everything from the local ecosystem to the way moisture interacts with the atmosphere.

Atmospheric Pressure Conditions

Atmospheric pressure, the force exerted by the weight of the air above, is a critical aspect of climate and weather patterns. In the coldest inhabited places on Earth, high atmospheric pressure conditions are prevalent, especially in the winter months.

This phenomenon is due to the lack of sunlight and subsequent absence of thermal heating from the Sun. The cooling of the air causes it to become denser and exert more pressure at the surface. With low humidity levels, due to limited moisture in the frigid air, these conditions contribute to the stability and persistence of cold temperature extremes.

Impact on Daily Life

For the people living in such climates, the atmospheric pressure impacts daily life from the functionality of machinery to the physical well-being of individuals. The high pressure can affect breathing and exacerbate health issues. It's not just about bundling up against the cold; residents must understand the atmospheric conditions to safely navigate their environment.

Factors Influencing Climate

The climate in the coldest regions outside the poles is influenced by a combination of factors that contribute to their extreme conditions.

Geographic location is paramount; proximity to the Arctic Circle means long, dark winters with a low angle of sunlight incidence, reducing the amount of solar heat these regions receive. Elevation plays a role too; higher altitudes generally lead to cooler temperatures.

Wind and Permafrost

Local wind patterns are also a determining factor, as they can bring colder air masses from the Arctic or distribute cold temperatures across the land. Additionally, permafrost, a permanently frozen layer of ground found in polar regions, serves as an insulating blanket that keeps the ground at a continuously low temperature, thereby affecting the air temperature above it.

Understanding how these factors interplay is essential for grasping why such extreme weather conditions exist and how they shape the life of the communities that inhabit these harsh landscapes.