Dog sledding in Longyearbyen with GreenDog is a truly exceptional experience. The sun never rises during the arctic night, and the surroundings are completely dark. The moon, stars, and aurora borealis are the sole sources of light. Despite the darkness, the dogs are led by the knowledgeable GreenDog handlers through the terrain with ease.
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Video Svalbard Day 2
Longyearbyen Dog Sledding with GreenDog
We were riding in special carts in a dog sled, which is essentially a sled pulled by dogs. It was one of the most extreme things I have ever done in my life.
Of course, there are difficulties involved in dog sledding in Svalbard during the polar night. Both people and pets may be in risk when the temperature drops as low as -50°C. GreenDog, on the other hand, takes safety very seriously and offers all required gear, such as warm clothing, helmets, gloves, and boots.
What happen at -50C?
During a Svalbard dog Sledding at Polar Night in -50°C, the human body undergoes several physiological changes and adaptations to cope with the extreme cold temperatures. Here’s a timeline of what happens:
- Initial Exposure: When exposed to the extreme cold of -50°C, the body’s first response is to constrict blood vessels near the skin’s surface to minimize heat loss and preserve core body temperature. This constriction reduces blood flow to the extremities and leads to a pale appearance.
- Shivering: As the body tries to generate heat to maintain its core temperature, shivering may occur. Shivering is an involuntary muscle contraction that produces heat as a byproduct, helping to raise the body’s internal temperature. It serves as a protective mechanism against hypothermia.
- Increased Metabolic Activity: To generate more heat, the body increases its metabolic activity. This process involves the breakdown of stored energy, such as glycogen and fat, to produce heat and maintain body temperature. The body’s metabolic rate rises to meet the increased energy demand.
- Goosebumps: When exposed to extreme cold, goosebumps may appear on the skin’s surface. This response is a relic from our evolutionary past when humans had more body hair. Goosebumps help trap a layer of air close to the skin, providing additional insulation.
- Core Temperature Maintenance: The body prioritizes maintaining the core temperature to protect vital organs. It does this by redistributing blood flow away from the extremities and towards the core. This can lead to a decrease in skin temperature and potentially frostbite if exposed for prolonged periods.
- Increased Respiratory Rate: In extreme cold, the respiratory rate may increase. This is a response to help warm the air before it reaches the lungs. The increased respiratory rate also assists in supplying oxygen to the body’s tissues and removing carbon dioxide.
- Cold-Induced Diuresis: Exposure to cold can lead to an increase in urine production, known as cold-induced diuresis. This response occurs due to the body’s attempt to conserve heat by reducing the amount of fluid available for heat loss. It may also be influenced by the release of certain hormones.
- Risk of Frostbite: Prolonged exposure to extreme cold, especially with inadequate protection, can increase the risk of frostbite. Frostbite occurs when tissues freeze due to prolonged cold exposure, leading to tissue damage. Exposed skin and extremities are particularly vulnerable.
It’s important to note that prolonged exposure to -50°C without adequate protection is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe health consequences. Proper clothing, insulation, and precautions should be taken to ensure safety in such extreme conditions.
Northern Lights
The breathtaking splendor of the Arctic terrain, with its snow-covered mountains, glaciers, is accessible to visitors during the dog sledding excursion. They can converse with the dogs, who are a cross between Alaskan huskies and Greenland dogs, as well. The GreenDog staff takes excellent care of these canines, which were bred for endurance, strength, and loyalty.
After Longyearbyen Dog Ride …
After the dog sledding was over, we were taken to a log cabin in the center of the Green Dog base, where refreshments were waiting for us. Very sweet non-alcoholic Norwegian wine and Brandy. Most of us combined these two things and after a while we got waffles. Our super guide, who commanded my team and came from Slovakia, told us how she got here, what life in Svalbard looks like, how it is with these bears. After showing us around the base, we were finally taken to the hotels.
Some information comes from these sources:
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
