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Airborne Survey of Polar Ice 2013

In the journal from 3-29, arctic ground squirrels curl themselves into a ball when hibernating. What geometric property does this minimize in order to maximize heat retention?

Bonus question: Mt. Rainier is the highest point in Washington, but what is the highest point in the lower 48?

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 04:35

Anonymous

I'm thinking surface area...-Robb

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 04:40

Anonymous

1. Surface Area2. Mount Elbert
-WeiQiao

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 04:41

Anonymous

Ground squirrel: the radius of its spherical body...?Geography: Mount Whitney in CA
I'm glad to be able to read about your travels! The next time you fly to Greenland you should get one of these: http://www.ostrichpillow.com/

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 04:41

Anonymous

Oops, this is from Siena

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 05:01

Anonymous

Bonus Question - Mt. Rainier is in the lower 48.-BK

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 05:20

Anonymous

I imagine those squirrels are curling into a ball to reduce surface area on the outside of their bodies allowing the least amount of heat to escape. Of course, curling into a ball also allows a hibernating ground squirrel to comically roll down a hill and turn into a giant snowball.And, Mount Whitney (in California) is the highest point in the lower 48. At 14,495 feet it's not that impressive compared to Texas' highest point - Guadalupe Peak at an astounding 8,751 feet. Everything is bigger (excepting most things) in Texas.
Texas is not my home,
Matthew Lubicky

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 07:52

Anonymous

Surface Area.
And... Isn't Washington in the lower 48? Trick question?
Enjoying your posts!
Maggie Casteleyn

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 17:14

Anonymous

1. Surface area
2. Mt Whitney
Melanie

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 07:51

Mark Buesing

Thanks for answering everybody! That was fun for me watching the replies come in.Robb, Siena, and Melanie: send me your mailing address at mmbuesing@gmail.com and you'll get a postcard from Greenland. Ever gotten one of those before?
Next journal is up -- check it out!