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the Terrifying Cold Facts You Need to Know Cold facts are fascinating, yet terrifying at the same time. They remind us of the kind of world we live in, where tragedy and catastrophe can strike at any moment. Here are some of the most harrowing cold facts that you need to know. 1. The Deadliest Antarctica Antarctica is the coldest and driest continent on Earth, and as you might expect, it's also one of the most dangerous places. Although there are no permanent human settlements, there have been several deadly incidents in the past. One of the most notable was the 1979 Vostok station fire which claimed the lives of 13 Soviet researchers. 2. The Chilling Cryonics Cryonics is the process of freezing a human body so that it can be preserved until technology can bring it back to life. This might sound like a far-fetched Hollywood plotline, but there are actually several cryonics facilities in operation around the world. The controversial practice has yet to reanimate a frozen human, but some proponents believe it's only a matter of time. 3. The Creepy Cold Water Cold water can be deadly. In just 10 minutes, cold water can make your body temperature drop to dangerously low levels, and in some cases, can cause hypothermia, which can be fatal. According to the US Coast Guard, most cold water drowning cases occur when the water is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 4. The Petrifying Permafrost Permafrost is the perennially frozen layer of soil found in the coldest regions of the world. It's a vital component of the Arctic ecosystem, but it's in danger of thawing due to rising global temperatures. As permafrost thaws, it releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide and methane, which are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to further warming. 5. The Bone-Chilling Black Ice Black ice is a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that forms on roads and pavements. It's called black ice because it's so thin that it appears to be the same color as the surface it's coating. Black ice is extremely dangerous because it's hard to see and can cause vehicles and pedestrians to slip and slide out of control. 6. The Icy Existential Threat Climate change is a real and present danger, and one of the most significant existential threats facing the world today. Rising temperatures are causing sea levels to rise, ice caps to melt, and weather patterns to become more extreme. If we don't take action soon, the consequences could be catastrophic. 7. The Spine-Chilling Wind Chill Wind chill is the "feels like" temperature that takes into account the combined effect of cold air temperature and wind speed. It can make a seemingly mild day feel like a bone-chilling polar vortex. When wind chill is extreme, it can cause frostbite and hypothermia in just a few minutes of exposure to unprotected skin. These are just a few of the many cold facts that remind us of the fragility of life and the power of our environment. By understanding and respecting the cold, perhaps we can better prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead.
