248 Alaskan Science Conference 



prepared insulation; however, permafrost affects the stability 

 of frame houses. Vigorous frost action in the top layer of the 

 soil causes shifting, heaving and settling of structures which are 

 not constructed in such a manner that these forces do not have 

 an opportunity to damage the structure. More than two thirds 

 of the Eskimo houses in Greenland (5) are now of frame con- 

 struction and probably more than half of the Eskimo homes in 

 arctic Alaska are of frame construction. 



The existence of permafrost complicates provision of satis- 

 factory housing. Special construction practices are necessary to 

 prevent shifting and settling of structures. It is difficult to 

 secure proper drainage for underground structures. Low tem- 

 peratures, permafrost and a very small income dictate a small 

 house for the Alaska Eskimo. The usual house of commonly 

 one room and a total inside volume of about 500 cubic feet is 

 almost all the Eskimo can heat on his existence economy. 



Insect Control 



Hordes of sucking and biting insects are found in the perma- 

 frost regions (23, 27). Permafrost prevents proper drainage 

 of the soil and causes the accumulation of myriads of shallow 

 water breeding areas for insects. Vegetation typical of the 

 poorly drained permafrost areas also is capable of holding 

 much water. These shallow accumulations of water are warmed 

 sufficiently by the long summer days to allow rapid breeding of 

 insects. 



Conventional methods for drainage of breeding areas appear 

 impractical and almost impossible in the permafrost regions. 

 More than 150 species of mosquitoes, black flies, horseflies, deer- 

 flies, blowflies, and other flies and midges are commonly found 

 in the permafrost regions. Many of these insects are pests and 

 have no doubt retarded development in the permafrost regions. 

 Some may also serve as mechanical carriers of filthborne disease. 

 Insects of the Arctic may serve as vectors for other diseases, but 

 at present this has not been proven. 





