Inc
redible Cold Knowledge Did you know that there is a place on Earth where temperatures can drop to a bone-chilling minus 144 degrees Fahrenheit? That place is called the East Antarctic Plateau, and it is considered one of the coldest places on the planet. But, that's not the only mind-boggling cold fact out there. Here are some more incredible cold knowledge tidbits that will blow your mind.
1. It can be too cold to snow: Yes, you read that right. Snow can't form when it's too cold. The air needs to have some moisture in it to create snowflakes. When temperatures reach minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, there is simply not enough moisture in the air to create snowflakes.
2. There's a point where hot water freezes faster than cold water: This phenomenon, called the Mpemba effect, has baffled scientists for decades. When water is heated to a certain temperature, it can freeze faster than water that was at a lower temperature. The exact reason for this effect is still unknown.
3. The coldest temperature ever recorded was minus 129 degrees Fahrenheit: It happened in Antarctica in 1983, and it still holds the record. At that temperature, exposed skin can freeze within seconds.
4. Frozen frogs can come back to life: Certain species of frogs have the ability to survive being frozen solid during the winter. They can freeze up to 65 percent of their body water and survive for weeks until the weather warms up and they thaw out.
5. Ice can be stretched like taffy: Researchers have discovered that at a certain temperature and pressure, ice can be stretched like taffy. The ice molecules start to rearrange themselves, forming a new type of ice called ice VII. This type of ice is extremely rare and has only been found deep in the Earth's crust.
6. The wind chill factor is not a real temperature: The wind chill factor is a calculation of how fast the wind is removing heat from our bodies. It's not actually a real temperature, but rather a perceived temperature.
7. Antarctica was once a warm place: Believe it or not, Antarctica used to be a warm and lush environment. About 50 million years ago, the continent was covered in forests and had a much milder climate. However, over time, plate tectonics caused the continent to move southward, where it became covered in ice. So, the next time you put on that extra sweater or hide under the covers to escape the cold, remember that there is a whole world of incredible cold knowledge out there waiting to be discovered.