Authors

Source

Type

Peer Review

Audience

Pages

Notes

Introduction: Since its existence, the surface of Earth has always been subject to tectonic forces that with the action of gravity and the erosive power of water have shaped landscapes into mountains, hills, lowland forelands, and old tableland. (See Figures 24.1–24.4.) Mountains are very attractive to outsiders, but the physical conditions challenge those living in these regions. Of the approximately 1.2 billion mountain people worldwide (20% of world population), only 8% inhabit places above 2,500 meters elevation. The key functions of mountains for humanity are frequently overlooked, such as the headwaters of river systems that supply nearly half of
humanity with water. This chapter assesses the available knowledge on physical, biological, economic, and social conditions in the world’s mountain areas and describes their likely future.