 This freezer compartment is similar to an ice cave. Since the opening is above the compartment, the cold, dense air doesn't have a chance to spill out every time it is opened. For that reason, the freezer doesn't have to click on and re-cool the air as often. Cold air that settled into the cave during the winter stays there because it is more dense than warm air. The only way to make the cave get warmer would be to use fans to force the cold air out . . . but that wouldn't be nice. One difference between the ice cave and the deep freeze shown here is that the cave is surrounded by many, many feet of rock, which provides better insulation than the walls of the freezer. |
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Earth Science Teacher at Helena High School |