Igloos

Igloos

Igloos are built using bricks of snow that are cut so that they are strong. The largest blocks are at the bottom of the igloo and they continue in a spiral shape, getting smaller towards the top. The heat from the humans living inside melts the bricks and locks them together. The igloo is a dome shape. It can stand by itself and stay strong even during storms when powerful winds blow.

Many igloos are built for hunting or camping or as a temporary house. The Eskimos build larger igloos that they use as permanent home for their families. Sometimes when they have more than one family living close by they build a network of igloos connected together by tunnels.