The Coldest City in the World: Yakutsk, Russia

Introduction

In the heart of Siberia lies Yakutsk, known as the coldest city in the world. With average temperatures well below zero for most of the year, the residents of Yakutsk have adapted to a remarkable way of life to survive. Originally founded during the Russian conquest of Siberia in the 16th and 17th centuries, Yakutsk became a vital hub for fur trade and commerce between Europe and Asia. Today, Yakutsk’s extreme cold and unique challenges set it apart from typical civilizations.

The Permafrost Layer

One of the most fascinating aspects of Yakutsk is its foundation. The city is built entirely on top of a permafrost layer, where the ground remains frozen year-round. This presents various challenges for infrastructure, as digging is not an option. All pipes, heating lines, roads, and buildings are constructed above the ground on stilts. The permafrost layer, which consists of frozen soil, can thaw in the summer, turning the ground into oozing mud. To stabilize the buildings, pile support structures are sunk into the permafrost, acting as a hard granite-like base.

However, scientists are concerned that the permafrost layer may thaw further due to climate change, causing instability in the support structures. If temperatures rise enough to thaw 16 feet of the permafrost layer during the summer months, the homes and buildings in Yakutsk could start to collapse.

Challenges of Transportation

Driving in and around Yakutsk is extremely dangerous. Many car owners keep their engines running throughout the winter because turning them off in such cold temperatures can prevent them from starting again. The oil and gasoline inside the car can freeze if not in constant use. Some residents choose to forgo using their cars during the winter, knowing they won’t be able to start them until temperatures rise in June.

The constant running of automobiles in Yakutsk contributes to a thick layer of smog enveloping the city. Air pollution is a significant issue, primarily caused by Soviet-era factories and coal-fired power plants that provide energy and heat to the homes.

Surviving the Cold

Yakutsk’s frigid temperatures require unique adaptations for everyday life. Wearing glasses in the winter is not advisable, as the metal frames can stick to exposed skin, leading to frostbite within minutes. The average monthly temperatures in Yakutsk during the peak of winter range from -32°F to -43°F (-35°C to -41°C). The city’s residents have found creative ways to utilize the extreme cold, such as hanging food outside windows to keep it frozen since household freezers typically maintain temperatures around 0°F (-18°C).

The local fish market is one of Yakutsk’s economic treasures. With limited vegetation growth, fish are sold as popsicles in outdoor markets. Residents buy these fish popsicles, bring them home, and cook them until they thaw. Most fish are caught in the nearby Lena River, which is frozen for approximately seven months of the year.

Unique Wildlife

The extreme climate of Yakutsk has also shaped the region’s wildlife. Horses and other mammals have evolved to withstand the arctic-like conditions. They have low-lying bodies, thick fur, and stocky builds with enough fat to keep warm in the coldest temperatures. The siberian tiger, siberian husky, leopards, lynxes, long-tailed girls, and even polar bears are among the other mammals found in this region. However, climate change poses a significant threat, particularly to the polar bear population. Rising temperatures and melting sea ice may lead to the loss of their habitats.

Burial Challenges

Living on permafrost land presents unique challenges, even in burial practices. While graveyards are illegal in some permafrost regions, Yakutsk has managed to create a typical burial process. However, burying a body in the permafrost can be a lengthy process lasting two to three days. A bonfire is lit, and coals are piled until a hole large enough for a casket is formed in the permafrost layer.

The Coldest City and Beyond

While Yakutsk holds the title of the coldest city, a small town called Oymyakon, approximately a 33-hour drive away, recorded the lowest temperature ever in inhabited areas. In 1924, Oymyakon experienced a bone-chilling -96°F (-71°C). This town, with a population of only 462 residents, heavily relies on meat as no plants can grow in such extreme conditions.

The resilience and determination of the people in both Yakutsk and Oymyakon are truly remarkable. Despite the challenges posed by their harsh environment, these communities continue to survive and thrive.