Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 11/18/2013 - 11:50
Forums
Totten Glacier System in East Antarctica

Hi my name is Dillon Rucinski and I am from Pope John Paul II High School in Boca Raton, Florida. I am currently taking a Marine science course and I was wondering how did you adapt to the Alaskan weather? Was it easy or were you use to it? How do animals there adapt to this kind of weather?

Tue, 11/19/2013 - 11:07

Glenn Clark

Hi Dillon, Thanks for the post. I am from Northern New York. The winters are typically cold and snowy. They are certainly not as cold as Fairbanks but experience allowed me to dress in layers, stay hydrated, stay dry and protect myself from the wind. In terms of animals in Alaska, there are 3 main ways to adapt. Migrate as with whales and waterfowl, hibernate as with the Arctic ground squirrel or resist (tough it out like the moose. Granted resisting requires fat storage and good coat and modification to when and where they are active. Hope this helps. Thanks again Glenn

Sat, 11/23/2013 - 08:17

Anonymous

Thank you for the response, that helped answer my question. Have fun with more of your experiences out there.

Mon, 11/25/2013 - 02:23

Glenn Clark

Hi Dillon, Thanks for the questions. Here goes. My time in Alaska was brief. The coldest day was -43. Wearing the right clothes in layers is essential. I am from the Northern Adirondacks and have been a wilderness studies instructor for most of my adult life. Those factors have taught me to respect the weather, avoid getting wet, protect yourself from the wind,don't get too tired and dress in layers. A famous quote states. "There is no bad weather only bad clothing". Hope that helps. Looking forward to having you follow our expedition to Antarctica! Thanks Dillon. Glenn Clark