Factors Contributing to Extreme Conditions
- Extreme environments can be broadly categorized into two types:
- Cold and high-altitude environments
- Hot and arid environments.
Cold and High-Altitude Environments
1. Low Temperatures
Temperature Gradient with Altitude:
- Temperatures decrease by approximately 6.5°C per 1,000 meters of elevation.
- This is due to the thinning of the atmosphere, which reduces its ability to retain heat.
Polar Regions:
- Temperatures can drop below -50°C due to the tilt of the Earth, which limits solar energy reaching these areas.
In the Himalayas, temperatures can plummet to -20°C or lower at high altitudes, while in Antarctica, winter temperatures fall below -60°C.
2. High Winds and Snow/Ice Accumulation
Wind Chill:
- High winds amplify the cold, making it feel much colder than the actual temperature.
Wind chill can make a -10°C day feel like -30°C, significantly increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Snow and Ice:
- Snow and ice accumulation creates hazardous conditions, such as avalanches and glacial movement.
3. Limited Oxygen at High Altitudes
Reduced Atmospheric Pressure:
- At high altitudes, the air is thinner, meaning less oxygen is available for breathing.
Physiological Stress:
- This causes altitude sickness, which includes symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
At the summit of Mount Everest, oxygen levels are only about 33% of those at sea level, posing severe challenges for climbers.
4. Short Growing Seasons and Poor Soils
Cold Climates:
- Growing seasons are brief, with temperatures above 6°C for only a few months.
Soil Conditions:
- Soils are often thin, infertile, and prone to erosion.
In periglacial areas, low temperatures lead to waterlogged soils due to minimal evaporation.
Hot and Arid Environments
