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A bioclimatic index of human survival times in the Antarctic

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2009

C. R. de Freitas  and
L. V. Symon
C. R. de Freitas
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
L. V. Symon
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Abstract

An index of human ‘survival time outdoors in extreme cold’ (STOEC) has been developed, using body-atmosphere energy budget modelling procedures. The index, which is applicable in places like Antarctica where only limited climatological data are available, is based on the calculated rate of fall of core temperature from 37°C to 27°C of a standard inactive healthy subject in full polar clothing.

Applied to data from 12 Antarctic stations it indicates relative severity of their mean and extreme climatic conditions. The severest winter conditions become lifethreatening after only about 20 minutes. At most stations in winter, exposure outdoors for more than two hours would be dangerous. Conditions at all coastal stations in summer are mildenough to allow a normal core temperature to be maintained. The index has many applications, for example estimating likely survival times of immobilized accident victims and guidelines for duration of work periods outside.

Type
Articles
Information
Polar Record , Volume 23 , Issue 147 , September 1987 , pp. 651 - 659
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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