[Concept for a bioclimatic evaluation of an expedition and trekking area at moderate and high altitudes].
This paper presents a concept which is built up on climate data with a long period of observation (temperature, wind conditions, precipitation, irradiation, and the frequency of low pressure weather situations with unfavorable biotropy stages). It therefore allows an evaluation of the bioclimate of a high mountain area. With the help of this relatively simple method, the risk of problems like AMS can be better estimated. Latest comparisons between different agencies of expeditions show that often the time schedule for climbing to the summit is too short and allows too little time for acclimatization; furthermore the number of days allowed for recreation is too small. A comparison of selected alpine regions shows better conditions in, for example, the Mount Kenia/Kilimandjaro region and parts of the western Andes in Chile, whereas the Himalaya and the Karakorum group can be problematic.
Lazar
Reinhold
R
Institut für Geographie und Raumforschung und ARGE-Alpinmedizin, Karl-Franzens-Universitit Graz, Graz, Osterreich. reinhold.lazar@kfunigraz.ac.at
D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology*; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005101:Expeditions; D006801:Humans; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000502:physiology*; D011998:Recreation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012621:Seasons; D012914:Snow; D013696:Temperature; D014919:Wind