EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
What are Extreme Environments?
 Environments are the conditions that surround people and how those conditions
affect how we live.
 Extreme means well beyond the normal range for conditions such as temperature
or alititude.
 Extreme Environments are place where we do not live but may be able to explore.
 Specialized equipment and technology are required for exploration.
 Examples (p. 190 and 191 in your textbook)
 Sometimes there are living things in these environments but they must be specially
adapted to exist there.
What do Explorers need to survive?
 Humans have basic needs such as food, water, shelter, clothing, and oxygen.
 Often, these needs cannot be met in Extreme environments without specialized
knowledge, technology, tools, and equipment.
 Oxygen: there is no oxygen available for us in space or under water so we must bring
it with us.
 Water: is very heavy to transport so technology is used in some areas.
 In deserts, condensed water is collected
 Snow is melted in cold environments
 Salt is removed from ocean water to provide drinking water.
 Food: is heavy and bulky to transport as well so dried food is often used because it
weighs less. Also, there is no gravity in space so ‘spoon-bowl’ packages are used so
that crumbs don’t float around and damage equipment.
What do Explorers need to survive?
 Life Support Systems are methods of providing air, water, and food using techniques
such as recycling.
 Recycling is using the same material over and over again.
 Astronauts may use plants on long trips to:
 Take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen
 Purify water
 Provide food
 Human waste can even be broken down to provide nutrients for plants
What do Explorers need to survive?
 Transportation - extreme environments often require specialized equipment in order to
explore.
 What kind of vehicle would you need to explore:
 The ocean surface?
 Underwater?
 Mountain tops?
 Outer space?
 The South Pole?
 The Desert?
What do Explorers need to survive?
 Clothing - extreme environments also require specialized clothing to protect from
extreme cold or heat.
 Spacesuits not only protect but also include a life support system.
 Shelter – astronauts often work in space inside the shelter of the Space Station to
provide protection and meet basic needs.
 What kind of shelter would you need to explore:
 The ocean surface?
 Underwater?
 Mountain tops?
 Outer space?
 The South Pole?
 The Desert?