A RECONNAISSANCE OF A HIGH MOUNTAIN REGION

Faylor, Robert; Wood, Walter; Bishop, Barry; ARCTIC INST OF NORTH AMERICA

In the summer of 1966, a team of investigators of the Arctic Institute , with financial support from the U.S. Army Research Office - Durham (ARO-D), made a reconnaissance in the St. Elias, Wrangell, and Chugach Mountains to search for areas that appeared to be analogous to the Himalaya from an operational viewpoint. An area between May Creek, Alaska, and the Alaska-Yukon border was found to present a variety of features strikingly comparable to those found in important areas of the Himalaya. Also, areas were found on the high slopes of Mt. Logan where human physiology research could be conducted at elevations of 11,000 ft, 16,ooo ft , and above 18,ooo ft. It is feasible to establish a project in the above region to provide opportunities for appropriate applied research, materiel testing and evaluation, and specialized training.