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Human Factors in High-Altitude Mountaineering

2015

This publication describes the human performance and cognitive challenges of high altitude mountaineering, with attention to three categories of factors, which include: (1) physical and environmental factors, (2) internal physiologic and health factors, and (3) behavioral psychology and motivational factors that drive mountaineers to climb. The authors summarize key statistics associated with mountaineering accidents in the Himalayas and Alaska, and explore the role of decision making biases, taking into account interpersonal factors, training consideration, and degree of adaptation.

 

Source:

Wickens CD, Keller JW, Shaw C. Human Factors in High-Altitude Mountaineering. Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments 2015; 12 (1). http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/2327-2937.1065