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To grasp how igloos work, we first need to understand the basics of heat transfer. Heat moves in three ways: convection, conduction, and radiation. In an igloo, all three play a crucial role.
Insulation is crucial in structures designed for warmth, and nature offers remarkable examples. Whales and seals use blubber to reduce heat loss, while sea otters trap and insulate air with dense fur.
The Inuit, renowned for their igloo construction, have mastered the art of selecting the perfect snow consistency. The ideal snow for igloo building strikes a delicate balance – it is neither too fluffy nor overly dense.
Forget the cartoonish dome-shaped igloos. Real igloos have a shape known as a catenary arch, resembling the curve formed by a hanging chain. This shape distributes weight evenly, preventing bulging or buckling, making it one of nature’s most stable arches.