In a previous article, we discussed the extreme temperatures that humans have learned to live in, and some of the methods ancient humans used to keep themselves comfortable. In this article, we will investigate some of the hottest and coldest settlements, and how people stay at a comfortable temperature in these inhospitable places.
To reiterate, 'the estimated ideal temperature for a resting human sits at around 21°C, with a rough comfort range of 10°C to 30°C'. With this in mind, it might shock you to learn that the coldest human settlement recorded an average annual temperature of —14.9°C and the hottest human settlement had an average annual temperature of 34.6°C ... both of which are outside of the human comfort range!
Furnace Creek — Death Valley, USA
One of the world's hottest regions is Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California (pictured below). Because of the unique geographical features of the region, the two highest reliable temperatures recorded on Earth have been recorded at the weather station in Furnace Creek. While not officially verified by the World Meteorological Organization, the temperature on the 30th of June 2013 and on the 9th of July 2021 was 54.0°C.
Originally founded in 1883 and known as 'Greenland Ranch', nearby natural springs created a natural oasis. This allowed the Pacific Coast Borax Company to build up the settlement to support their borax mining operations in the area. Eventually, it was renamed to 'Furnace Creek Ranch' in 1933, as part of a tourism drive that began in the 1920s as the demand for borax dropped.
Dallol — Afar Region, Ethiopia
While not recording the highest recorded air temperatures, Dallol instead holds the record for the highest average temperature for an inhabited location. During the 1960s, consistent readings taken between 1960 and 1966 showed the average temperature as 34°C.
Located in the Afar Region in North-East Ethiopia, it was originally established as a mining town for potash, sylvite, and salt, but this eventually ceased as the harsh environment, lack of infrastructure, and remoteness forced the mines to close and the settlement to become abandoned.
Hot Weather Adaptations
Several methods for cooling and changes to lifestyles are necessary for the residents of Furnace Creek, many of which were impossible in Dallol due to the remote location and non-existent infrastructure.
Most activities that require being outdoors are often done before sunrise or in the late evening, which can seem like a switch to a nocturnal living pattern. Going outside during the middle of the day is very difficult due to the heat, so anything that can be done at cooler times, generally is.
Inside, residents often use a 'swamp cooler'. This is an evaporative air cooler that relies on water evaporating into low-humidity air. Because of this, they are an ideal and cost-effective solution to the desert heat of Death Valley. These are usually special air conditioning units, but sometimes these 'swamp coolers' are as simple as a fan blowing a damp cloth. This type of evaporative cooling technology was used over 3000 years ago in ancient Egypt!
Due to being so remote, shopping trips are usually done monthly to stock up with lots of supplies. Bottled water is also a necessity as the water from taps can often be over 30°C. Maintenance and repair of crucial equipment such as home air conditioning units and vehicular upkeep, which would cause an inconvenience if they failed in most other places, could cause a serious risk to life in Furnace Creek.
