ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the geomorphic conditions and events in mountains that endanger humans. It considers the incidence and potential destructiveness of geomorphic processes and ways in which human activity can increase or decrease these dangers. Landform interpretation, in relation to land use in mountain settings, is also shown to be an important key to the map of risk. The mountain context introduces some unique problems at the highest altitudes, because of the rarified atmosphere, intense solar radiation, extreme low temperatures and high winds. However, these conditions mainly become hazardous above and away from zones of permanent settlement and activities other than mountaineering. They can become serious problems in mountain aircraft crashes, high-altitude mining and military activity, but these will not be considered here.
