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Everest—The Death Zone
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Program Overview
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The human body is highly adaptable to change. It adjusts when you
vigorously exercise, move in and out of different temperatures, or
face stressful situations. But what about when your body is pushed
to extremes, like those of climbers attempting to summit Mt.
Everest, which rises 8,848 m (29,028 ft) above sea level? In this
environment, climbers confront an atmosphere of one-third less
oxygen than at sea level and life-threatening, frigid temperatures.
This episode of NOVA follows a doctor at Everest's Base Camp who
tracks and analyzes the effects of this harsh environment on
climbers' bodies and cognitive functions. The data reveal to what
extent these climbers' bodies can adapt and survive at high
altitudes.
Camp Altitudes
The most common route up the South Face of Everest consists of five
camps at different altitudes.
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