COLDEST PLACES IN THE WORLD.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 17, 3 May 1895, Page 2

COLDEST PLACES IN THE WORLD.

The coldest inhabited spot on the earth is said to be the town of Werchojansk, in Siberia, which is situated 67deg. 34min. N., lat. 33deg. 51min., E. long. The lowest temperature observed there is 90 4 deg. Fahr. below zero. ; in July it averages 57deg. Fahr. The cold which prevails in Eastern Siberia is, however, not accompanied by winds. The minimum temperature at Jaku'sk is 716 deg., and at Ufcsjansk 632 deg. Fahr. below zero ; and during the whole month of January the thermometer naver roaches the height of 14 deg. Fahr. The winters are extraordinarily dry. The lowness of temperature is due to the fact that Eastern Siberia is not influenced by oceanic depressions, and a high atmospheric pressure, with calm, clear weather and a dry atmosphere, prevails. In this wayfthe warm aircurrents are aided in their escape, while the high mountain ranges in the couth and east tend to imprison the masses of cold air. Hedenstrom and Wraugfll have published the reports on the effect of the cold upon the living organisms in Siberia. If the temperature sinks to 4Odeg. Fahr. below zero, every breath that is drawn causes pain in the chest and lungs. Old tree-trunks burst with the frost ; rocks are shattered with a noise like thunder ; and deep chasms form in the ground, from which streams of water rush streaming, only to be turned into ice directly. — ' Euglish Mechanic.'