Survival in subzero temperatures: two field experiments on temperature estimation and "snowhole" (survival hole)...

Two field experiments in a subarctic environment are described. Individuals consistently underestimated the degree of cold, because visual cues dominated sensory skin receptors in the subjective estimation of temperature. In snowholes (survival holes) temperatures rose 20 degrees C within 30 minutes of occupancy, but stabilized at freezing point. Implications for travel and survival in a subzero environment are described.