Alpine Physics: Science In The Mountain Environment - Hardcover

Valerio Faraoni

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 9813274204 ISBN 13: 9789813274204

Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company, 2019

Synopsis

This unique volume applies physics and basic science to the mountain environment and is written in a non-technical language for curious laypeople who wonder why or how natural phenomena happen, and what their scientific explanation may be. The book discusses physics in a non-specialized way. Alpine Physics is mostly organized in categories relevant for non-scientists with an interest in alpine environments.

Intuitive decision-making is often just grounded in plain common sense, to which mountain and nature lovers relate easily, especially when involving high-stakes decisions based on the estimation of such a treacherous environment. The book highlights how this intuitive decision-making can be complemented and augmented by basic scientific knowledge, and with better understanding it leads one to become a rational decision-maker.

The book stimulates its readers to reason and discover why things are the way they are, at high altitudes, where many risk factors are aggravated, often dramatically, by steep gradients. The writing style marries that of the conventional science textbook and that of the informal North-American climbing guidebooks.

About this title

Review

This book provides an instructive and fascinating reading for scientists and mountaineers alike. It is written in an informal, witty style yet the discussion is scientifically sound, without too little or too many details. The reader will learn not only about physics, but also about other subjects such as geology, mathematics and astronomy. Indeed, the author's strong background in theoretical physics adds flavour to the presentation, revealing unexpected connections with topics like quantum mechanics or cosmology, which usually do not come to mind when one contemplates a mountain landscape. The book is also sparkled with interesting remarks about science in general, and the way science is done. The discussion of phenomena observed when hiking or climbing is often illustrated through anecdotes from the author's long experience in the mountains, or used as the scientific ground behind useful practical tips. Finally, those who want to learn more about some of the many subjects touched, will benefit from an extensive bibliography. --Sebastiano Sonego, University of Udine

Edition details

• Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9813274204
• ISBN 13: 9789813274204
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256