Submitted by Katie Breen on Sun, 03/25/2007 - 13:51
Forums
Antarctic Ice Sheet Studies

Hi Mr. Gillette,

What will you need to do in the field to make sure that your fingers don't end up like those of the person in your journal photo?  Cry

Katie 

Tue, 03/27/2007 - 14:52

Brandon Gillette

The first thing you should do is make sure there is a minimal amount of skin exposed to the elements.  Layering your gloves (or socks) is a great idea.  The material of the gloves or socks is definitely something to take into consideration.  Cotton is not a good choice with characteristics making water absorption a problem.  Wool or polypropylene is a better idea.  Finally, don't forget about circulation.  All the layers in the world don't do any good if your fingers aren’t receiving blood.  Using the centrifuge approach of swinging your arms or legs drawing blood into the limbs works quite well!