A curious fact about why the snow igloo is warm and dry

I knew that the igloo was the home of the Eskimos. But I've always wondered how you can live in this ice house. Therefore, with the help of the Internet, I decided to study this issue deeper. Interesting facts were revealed to me.

Erecting an igloo

It turns out that such a dwelling is built from snow blocks, and not ice blocks, as it is written in some sources. Because the Eskimos have only snow at their disposal from building materials, and a knife from tools.

The Igloo is considered a winter shelter. Only snow is suitable, on which a clear imprint of a person's foot remains. Such housing is being built in a matter of hours, unlike our high-rise buildings.

A special feature is that it is erected in a spiral.

Since the climate in the habitats of the Eskimos is harsh, the housing should keep warm. And here there is no room for space. Proceeding from this, the calculation is simple - the diameter of the structure depends on how many people will live there. Namely, for one person about 2.7 meters, for two about 3 meters, for three - 3.4 meters.

The laws of physics to help the indigenous peoples of the north

In general, the igloo device obeys and is explained by the laws of physics.

First, the entrance is always below the floor. And this is no coincidence. This ensures the outflow of carbon dioxide (it is heavier) and the flow of oxygen. If the snow is not very deep, a hole is made in the wall. In front of which a vestibule is built from the same blocks. Therefore, gusts of wind do not penetrate inside, and heat does not come out. In any case, you can only crawl there, which is not very convenient, you must agree.

It happens that the Eskimos make tunnels to other houses. In order not to go outside in bad weather, but at the same time visit each other.

Secondly, the building is vaulted. And as you know, such masonry is the strongest, due to the fact that the blocks hold themselves and the load is distributed evenly. That is why it is "too tough" for polar bears.

And finally, the most interesting thing. Why is it warm and dry in such buildings?

The housing is heated and illuminated with oil lamps. They also cook food on them. Even when the outside temperature drops below -40º, the inside of the igloo is quite comfortable, about 22º-25º above zero.

When the room heats up, the inside walls become damp. Because snow is hygroscopic, it absorbs moisture like a blotter and draws superheated air out through the walls. Thanks to this, an ice shell is formed, which makes the building very durable.

In general, such a building has a lot of advantages in conditions of extremely low temperatures: quick construction, strength, warmth and dryness, and most importantly, there is no need to take out a mortgage. But, nevertheless, only the indigenous peoples of the north and strong-willed people can live in such a house. Could you?

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