Why Must a Mountaineer Be an Expert in Many Areas of Science?

Mountaineers seek adventure and challenge in alpine environments that are exposed to the elements. A mountaineer must be an expert in many areas of science to ensure a safe trip for herself and any other people she may lead or guide. Mountain environments present considerable potential hazards that can be avoided or mitigated with proper training. Basic awareness and scientific knowledge can make the difference between fun and comfort or mere survival, on even the simplest day outing. Mountaineers need to have medical first aid skills; knowledge of geology, botany and physics; navigational ability; and some psychological proficiency.

  1. Medical Science

    • Mountaineers should have training in basic first aid in order to treat simple injuries such as scrapes, cuts, insect bites and stings. A mountaineer should also be able to fashion a splint and travois to transport someone with a badly sprained or broken ankle or leg. Mountaineers need to be able to recognize early symptoms of hypothermia, fatigue and Acute Mountain Sickness, and know how to treat these conditions. Mountaineers should also know how to identify signs of giardia, poisoning from snake or spider bites, or ingestion of toxic plants.

    Geology and Physics

    • A mountaineer needs to know the characteristics of different types of rock formations. Granite and dolomite are hard, solid types of rock that are stable for walking or climbing, but can be slippery underfoot when wet. Shale is crumbly and unsuitable for affixing climbing screws. Ice climbers need to be aware of the physical properties of ice and the effect of sun, precipitation and temperature changes on it. Basic knowledge of physics includes understanding that the boiling point of water increases with higher elevation, and that matches and lighters will not function well.

    Botany and Biology

    • Knowing the flora and fauna in mountain environments makes the trip more interesting and safe. A mountaineer should understand wildlife behavior and habitat so he does not set up camp or store food in ways that will attract grizzly bears, raccoons or other wildlife. In emergencies, it is useful to able to identify wild plants and know which ones are edible or poisonous.

    Navigation

    • Mountaineers must know how to read terrain features in order to choose the safest route over mountain passes and rivers. Mountain weather can change rapidly from one extreme to another. Mountaineers need to know how to use a map and compass when cloud cover or a blizzard obscures visibility. They also need to know when and how to alter plans or routes to ensure the safety of their party. In extreme mountain environments, mountaineers need expertise in avalanche forecasting and glaciology.

    Psychology

    • If a mountaineer works as a professional guide and leads inexperienced people, she needs leadership skills and some knowledge of social sciences like psychology. She needs to teach people proper techniques for safe travel in the mountains, mange group dynamics and keep people motivated when they are tired or afraid. Guides also need to inspire confidence in the people they are leading.