This article was written by Samuel Phineas Upham,
Antarctica is one of the coldest continents on Earth and contains over 90% of the world’s supply of ice. Its extreme distance from the equator means that the region receives very little sunlight and is therefore frigidly cold. Still, people continue to journey to Antarctica to live and study there. Poor preparation results in hypothermia and frostbite, but proper preparation can help resist the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica.
Polar Jacket/sweater
The first layer of this coat protects the body from the
harsh Antarctic elements. It is one part windbreaker, one part coat with a
waterproof element to add. The second layer insulates heat and moisture coming
from the body. This traps our internal body temperature within the fabric and
keeps us warm with our own heat. The final layer further insulates the body while
absorbing unnecessary moisture that the body produces.
Headgear
A scarf is worn around the neck to protect skin from
freezing winds. The scarf also stops snow and ice from breaching your layers,
which could melt and lower your body temperature if you’re not too careful.
Your head is the part of your body that loses the most heat, so head gear like
knit and fur caps help your body keep some of that heat.
Goggles are also useful to help protect your eyes and face
from snowstorms. Chapped skin and frostbitten noses are very possible in the
Antarctic, where workers are prone to long exposures.
Further Insulation
Thick boots do more than keep your feet warm. Specially
designed boots help workers traverse snowy conditions and prevent water and ice
from breaching layers. Gloves also insulate the hands, helping to guard against
frostbite.
About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Samuel Phineas Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Samuel Phineas Upham on his Twitter page.
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