Keeping Your Advantage: Terrain and You [Weds, 3rd Period]
Ghanima was not dressed in her usual Imperium gowns today. Instead, her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, and she was wearing a tunic, pants, and boots, with a woven cloak slung over her arm. "Today, we're looking at a type of terrain that is near and dear to my heart," she said, once the majority of the class had arrived in the Danger Shop. "It is fall and I dislike the cold, so we're going to the desert."
"Deserts take up about one third of the Earth's land surface, and usually have a large diurnal and seasonal temperature range, with high daytime temperatures and low nighttime temperatures that can reach 45 °C/113 °F or higher. The dry desert air is incapable of blocking sunlight during the day or trapping heat during the night without water. Thus, during daylight most of the sun's heat reaches the ground, and as soon as the sun sets the desert cools quickly by radiating its heat into space."
"Most deserts are formed by rain shadows; mountains blocking the path of precipitation. Deserts are often composed of sand and rocky surfaces. Sand dunes called ergs and stony surfaces called hamada surfaces compose a minority of desert surfaces. Exposures of rocky terrain are typical, and reflect minimal soil development and sparseness of vegetation."
The Danger Shop rippled around them, and the students would find themselves standing on a rocky outcropping, looking out over a landscape of sand and blinding sun. "It is unfortunate that many people equate deserts with a hostile environment that conspires against human life," Ghanima continued easily, seemingly unbothered by the change in scenery. "In the popular media, desert areas seem to be considered to be at the top of the wilderness list for danger. The historical fact is, however, that the human race was cradled in arid lands and people are well adapted to survive in deserts. Learning to be part of the desert's ecosystem, and not view it as an antagonist is the first step of desert survival. Preparation starts with how you dress. People stand upright and receive only 60% of the solar radiation that animals on all fours do. By adding a proper hat, with a wide brim and closed crown, the head and body are further protected. A common mistake made by new desert visitors is wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. Loose fitting long sleeves and pants provide good air circulation and much better protection than sunblock."
"Deserts are defined by their lack of water. Learn to ration sweat, not water. By staying in the shade, limiting activity to cooler times such as night and using your available water, your chances for survival increase greatly. Sipping water does not get it to the brain and vital organs. Take a good drink when you need it. People have been found dead from dehydration with water in their canteens. Also, do not rely on "parlor tricks" such as solar stills as a primary source. These will often produce more sweat digging the hole than is obtained from water gained. Learn to locate water through areas of green vegetation, flights of birds, converging animal trails and digging in the outside bends of dry creek beds."
"You're probably all expecting an actual test, since it's the week of Homecoming and that is when traditional schools hold midterms," she said, looking at the students. "I hate to disappoint you, but you aren't getting one here today. Instead, go ahead and play in the sand. Try not to get bitten by scorpions, get heatstroke, or burn your hands. Learn how to walk - and run - without falling."
"Don't fall. Never fall." Ghanima tilted her face towards the sun, shutting her eyes and smiling. "For all the dangers above the sand, the greatest one lurks below it. This isn't a desert on Earth. This is Arrakis. Dune. Seat of the Imperium and fiefdom of House Atreides. Just as hostile as any desert on Earth, only far more alien." She waved one hand, and another hologram shimmered into being.
"Meet the apex life-form of Dune," she said simply, walking over to one of the rising behemoths and placing her hand against its side in a loving manner. "They say that God created Arrakis to train the faithful. In truth, I think he made it for Shai-Hulud to roam. Nowhere else in the Known Universe will you find these beautiful creatures; they are the life and breath of this planet, and the primary mode of distance transportation for the wandering tribes of Fremen. That does not, however, mean they are tame. Far from it, in fact. Should you venture out in the desert without a Fremen guide, you will most likely end up eaten." Ghanima shrugged. "If you venture out in the desert with a Fremen guide, you may still end up eaten. May his passing cleanse the world."
Another wave of her hand, and the worms vanished as she turned back to them. "Now go play, and no throwing snakes at each other."
"Deserts take up about one third of the Earth's land surface, and usually have a large diurnal and seasonal temperature range, with high daytime temperatures and low nighttime temperatures that can reach 45 °C/113 °F or higher. The dry desert air is incapable of blocking sunlight during the day or trapping heat during the night without water. Thus, during daylight most of the sun's heat reaches the ground, and as soon as the sun sets the desert cools quickly by radiating its heat into space."
"Most deserts are formed by rain shadows; mountains blocking the path of precipitation. Deserts are often composed of sand and rocky surfaces. Sand dunes called ergs and stony surfaces called hamada surfaces compose a minority of desert surfaces. Exposures of rocky terrain are typical, and reflect minimal soil development and sparseness of vegetation."
The Danger Shop rippled around them, and the students would find themselves standing on a rocky outcropping, looking out over a landscape of sand and blinding sun. "It is unfortunate that many people equate deserts with a hostile environment that conspires against human life," Ghanima continued easily, seemingly unbothered by the change in scenery. "In the popular media, desert areas seem to be considered to be at the top of the wilderness list for danger. The historical fact is, however, that the human race was cradled in arid lands and people are well adapted to survive in deserts. Learning to be part of the desert's ecosystem, and not view it as an antagonist is the first step of desert survival. Preparation starts with how you dress. People stand upright and receive only 60% of the solar radiation that animals on all fours do. By adding a proper hat, with a wide brim and closed crown, the head and body are further protected. A common mistake made by new desert visitors is wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. Loose fitting long sleeves and pants provide good air circulation and much better protection than sunblock."
"Deserts are defined by their lack of water. Learn to ration sweat, not water. By staying in the shade, limiting activity to cooler times such as night and using your available water, your chances for survival increase greatly. Sipping water does not get it to the brain and vital organs. Take a good drink when you need it. People have been found dead from dehydration with water in their canteens. Also, do not rely on "parlor tricks" such as solar stills as a primary source. These will often produce more sweat digging the hole than is obtained from water gained. Learn to locate water through areas of green vegetation, flights of birds, converging animal trails and digging in the outside bends of dry creek beds."
"You're probably all expecting an actual test, since it's the week of Homecoming and that is when traditional schools hold midterms," she said, looking at the students. "I hate to disappoint you, but you aren't getting one here today. Instead, go ahead and play in the sand. Try not to get bitten by scorpions, get heatstroke, or burn your hands. Learn how to walk - and run - without falling."
"Don't fall. Never fall." Ghanima tilted her face towards the sun, shutting her eyes and smiling. "For all the dangers above the sand, the greatest one lurks below it. This isn't a desert on Earth. This is Arrakis. Dune. Seat of the Imperium and fiefdom of House Atreides. Just as hostile as any desert on Earth, only far more alien." She waved one hand, and another hologram shimmered into being.
"Meet the apex life-form of Dune," she said simply, walking over to one of the rising behemoths and placing her hand against its side in a loving manner. "They say that God created Arrakis to train the faithful. In truth, I think he made it for Shai-Hulud to roam. Nowhere else in the Known Universe will you find these beautiful creatures; they are the life and breath of this planet, and the primary mode of distance transportation for the wandering tribes of Fremen. That does not, however, mean they are tame. Far from it, in fact. Should you venture out in the desert without a Fremen guide, you will most likely end up eaten." Ghanima shrugged. "If you venture out in the desert with a Fremen guide, you may still end up eaten. May his passing cleanse the world."
Another wave of her hand, and the worms vanished as she turned back to them. "Now go play, and no throwing snakes at each other."