Forums
Adaptations of Marine Worms in Antarctica

So, I am wondering who out there thinks they understand Extreme Cold Weather Gear. Reply to this post with answers to these questions. Let's see who's got their thinking caps on...

Why do you think layering is so important?
Do you think all the layers do the same job?
Are all my layers made from the same materials? What materials do you think they are made from?

Thu, 08/25/2011 - 08:07

Anonymous

Mike,
I would assume that during condition 1 & 2 you would wear all layers of clothing! I read your journal on the conditions and it sounds cold!
I would think that the bottom layer would wick away moisture as well a keep the heat in and close to your body. The next layer looks like good insulators to help with the loss of heat, as does the top layer. The top layer looks as though it would keep moisture out, so you don't loose heat to evaporative cooling.
I hope you and Theodore are keeping warm!!
~Alli

Thu, 08/25/2011 - 12:24

Michael League

Wow! Great work, Alli. Somebody hit the research hard! This brings uptwo other thoughts:
1) Why layers? What is so important about having layers instead of just
one huge snowsuit?
2) Anyone out there want to talk about bunny boots? Why do you think
they're so thick on the bottom?
Mike

Fri, 08/26/2011 - 15:24

Anonymous

Hello Mike!Mrs. D'Annecy's first graders talked about how it is important to layer your clothing so warm air can be trapped between the layers. We do this even in Florida. It gets cold here, but a lot of us don't bother buying big heavy coats. We just add layers.
We also came up with some theories about why your outer layer is bright red.
One of my students thought it was because there are no schools down there, and they may not have learned any other colors. I reminded her, you are all grown- ups there, and you know your colors.
Another student thought that it might be the national color. I pointed out that Antarctica is not a nation, but that many countries are represented there. That's why there is no official flag for Antarctica.
We finally came up with an idea we all agree on. We think you wear bright red so you can be seen in the white snow if you were to get lost, or if you are traveling together in a group. This makes sense when we consider how animals who DON'T want to be seen try to blend into their environment. This led to a wonderful discussion about camouflage.
Please let Theodore know we miss him! Thanks for taking such good care of him! We're glad he was issued official ECW gear to stay warm, and so he won't get lost in the snow!
We are enjoying the journals!
~ Karen

Fri, 08/26/2011 - 17:39

Michael League

Mrs. D'Annecy's First Graders, I showed your post to Dr. Marsh and he was REALLY impressed with how
smart you all are. You are quite correct about why we wear red. It's
really easy to see us working out on the ice and snow in our big red
parkas. It's also why we put it on Theodore. When we get out working
on the ice, you'll see those bright colors on other items, like
flagging, vehicles, and buildings.
We can't wait to hear more from you. Thanks for following along.
Theodore says "Hi!"
Mike

Sat, 08/27/2011 - 06:09

Anonymous

Mike,
I would think that:
Layer 1 (thermal underwear) is made of a cotton/polyester weave which will trap in your body heat yet wick away moisture to keep you dry and warm.
Layer 2 (the fleece) is a synthetic fabric which also wicks moisture out and has the insulating ability of wool yet weighs a fraction of a wool layer.
Layer 3 (the overalls) are water and wind proofing. As is your Layer 4 (the parka and hood) which I am thinking is red for safety, so you are easily spotted in the blowing snow especially when it is dark.
I haven't figured out your question about the big heel on the bunny boots. I did learn that they are felt and wool sandwiched between two layers of waterproof rubber and they have a valve in the ankle which you need to open when going up in a plane to keep the boot from exploding.
And, I have two new questions for you....why the fur around the hood? Is that to catch snow and ice from forming on your face? AND, I learned that some fleece material is made from recycled bottles (PET), do you think yours was?
Thanks for teasing my brain...I am having a lot of fun following your journals.
Lynn G.

Sun, 08/28/2011 - 00:39

Michael League

Hi Lynn, Great post! You definitely have a great understanding of the
layering system. I was hiking up Ob Hill today next to McMurdo Station
and I was grateful for my many layers and the roles that they play in
keeping me warm. Here are a couple of things to keep thinking about.
1) The bunny boot valves aren't because our boots might explode. In
fact, it's the opposite. When we're on the plane and the valves are
closed, the boots give our feet a little squeeze. Opening the valve
makes that squeeze go away. Have you learned about air pressure yet?
It has something to do with that...
2) My understanding is that the fur-lined hood is a strategy taken from
the Inuit people, who live in the Arctic. They were one of the first
people to utilize a parka-like coat called an anorak. The fur acts as
an aid to help protect faces from freezing temperatures and wind.
3) I don't think my fleece is made from recycled bottles, but that is
super cool! I wish it was. On a related note, another person asked me
about waste and recycling down here. I think you'll see a journal on
that soon; so stay tuned!
Glad to hear you're enjoying the journals.
Mike