Theme: DANGER AND MORTALITY Flashcards
What motivates people to climb Mount Everest despite the high mortality rate?
The thrill of surviving a dangerous climb provides excitement and challenge.
How did the culture of mountain climbing historically view danger?
Danger and death were glamorized, attracting climbers to Everest.
What paradox is presented regarding the Everest mortality rate?
The mortality rate encouraged more climbing instead of discouraging it.
What was the impact of mapping reliable routes to Everest in the 1970s and 80s?
Some climbers felt Everest lost its appeal as the thrill of danger diminished.
How do some climbers attempt to reintroduce danger to their Everest climbs?
By making the ascent without supplemental, compressed oxygen.
What precautions do most mountaineers take while climbing?
They ascend slowly and take good care of their gear.
True or False: Mountaineering is considered a completely safe sport.
False
What is the average number of fatalities on Everest in a typical year?
Ten or more fatalities.
What psychological effects did Krakauer and others experience after the 1996 Everest disaster?
Depression, survivor’s guilt, and trauma.
Fill in the blank: Many mountain climbers want to experience a ‘taste’ of danger, but not too _______.
much
What did Krakauer’s teammates underestimate about mountain climbing?
The danger and trauma involved.
How did climbers historically respond to the deaths of their peers on Everest?
They were motivated to prove their talents despite the risks.
What does Krakauer suggest about the thrill-seeking nature of mountaineers?
They enjoy the thrill of risk but are unprepared for actual danger.
What event forced Krakauer’s team to deal with extreme conditions during their climb?
A sudden snowstorm that separated the team.
What is one reason amateur mountaineers claim to climb Everest?
For the thrills and dangers.
What does Krakauer argue about mountaineers’ perception of danger?
They often romanticize it while underestimating its reality.
What was one consequence of the 1996 Everest disaster for climbers involved?
They experienced profound psychological effects.
Fill in the blank: The experience of actual danger and death is almost _______ for climbers.
unbearable
What significant event was Jon Krakauer involved in?
The 1996 Everest disaster
What do many mountaineers underestimate according to Krakauer?
The danger and trauma of mountain climbing
How does Krakauer describe the culture of mountain climbing?
It glamorizes danger and death
What historical trend did the Everest mortality rate encourage?
More climbing
What did climbers in the 1970s and 80s say about Mount Everest?
That it wasn’t worth the trouble due to reduced danger
What have some recent climbers attempted to reintroduce to the Everest ascent?
Danger by climbing without supplemental oxygen
What practices do most mountaineers follow to ensure safety?
- Ascend slowly to adjust to altitude
- Take good care of their gear
What is the average number of fatalities on Everest in a typical year?
Ten or more fatalities
What do the amateur mountaineers on Krakauer’s team believe about their trip?
They’ll survive and want to flirt with danger
What event separated Krakauer’s team during the expedition?
A sudden snowstorm
How many people died on Krakauer’s Everest climb?
Six people
What psychological effects did Krakauer and others experience after the disaster?
- Depression
- Survivor’s guilt
- Trauma
What does Krakauer suggest many mountain climbers seek regarding danger?
A ‘taste’ of danger, but not too much
True or False: Most mountaineers are reckless in their climbing approach.
False
Fill in the blank: The danger of falling or freezing to death gives serious mountaineers an opportunity to prove their _______.
talents
