the missing paragraph

If the popular TV series “Northern Exposure” was set in the Alaskan town of Barrow, we probably would have polar bears and reindeers as its main cast. Barrow, the northernmost settlement of the United States is famous for a couple of interesting things.

Modern day archaeological excavations executed around Barrow suggest that first settlements in this area date as far back as 500 AD. People who lived here were Inuit-related Inupiaqs. In their language the area was called Ugpiagvik, meaning “the place where we hunt owls”. Sources claim that the first person to arrive here was the French adventurer Ernest Barreau, hired by the Russian Tsar in order to collect information about the northern peripheries of Alaska. In spite of the prosperous times of whale-oil trade (monopolized by the Russians), few people lived here. However, with the transfer of Alaskan territories to the United States in 1867, and with the discovery of gold and later oil, the population began growing steadily. Subsequently many Canadian and American adventurers arrived in the town, which resulted in the change of its name to Barrow. Another theory suggests that the name has its roots in the nearby Cape Barrow, discovered in 1825 by Sir John Barrow – an officer of British admiralty.

It must be noted that Barrow is located in a hostile land – 500 km beyond the polar circle and affected by arctic climate. Flora consists of plants typical for tundra – small bushes, grasses and moss that fight for survival on a layer of permafrost reaching 400 m in depth. There is little time for them to enjoy favourable weather and sunlight. There are only two seasons beyond the polar circle and summer barely lasts 5 months – from May to October. During its winter Barrow registers the lowest temperatures in Alaska. However, its proximity to the Arctic Ocean and lack of natural barriers prevents the cold air from moving away, saving Barrow from the extreme cold of the Alaskan mainland. February is the coldest month, with temperatures reaching an average of -30˚C. The warmest month is July when one can enjoy the comfort of 8˚C. There are freezing temperatures on an average of 324 days per year.

On 18th or 19th of November Barrow bids farewell to sunlight for the next 65 days. Sun will reappear only on 22nd or 23rd of January. By the end of December even the transitional period of twilight lasts only 3 hours. On the other hand, patience is rewarded in May when polar day, an opposite phenomenon, occurs and the sun doesn’t set for the next 82 or 83 days.

Barrow’s population has grown drastically for many years. In the 1940s there were only 400 inhabitants, but by the 1960s the population had tripled and in the 1980s it amounted to 2,200. The 2008 census registered 4,429 residents.

The main source of income for the local population lies within the nearby oil fields in addition to various governmental agencies. Due to the breathtaking phenomenon of auroras Barrow has also become an important tourist destination and a source of inspiration for many artists. 2007 witnessed the release of 30 Days of Night – a horror movie based on a comic by the same title.

It is interesting to note the absolute prohibition on alcohol products. Theoretically this measure is to prevent the state of depression that residents of Barrow experience during the dark winter months. Paradoxically, import, possession and consumption is allowed.