Diamond Bright

"Good morning," Ghanima said, as the class arrived.  "Today we are studying mountains, and rock climbing, this time not on an active volcano."  

 "The important thing to remember about mountains is that each one is different, depending on the size and location," she said.  "High mountains, and mountains located close to the Earth's poles, reach into the colder layers of the atmosphere. They are consequently subject to glaciation, and erosion through frost action. Such processes produce the peak shape. Some of these mountains have glacial lakes, created by melting glaciers.  Mountains can be eroded and weathered, altering their characteristics over time, so even if you've been to an area once, it may not be the same as before." 

"Tall mountains have different climatic conditions at the top than at the base, and will thus have different life zones at different altitudes. The flora and fauna found in these zones tend to become isolated since the conditions above and below a particular zone will be inhospitable to those organisms. These isolated ecological systems are known as sky islands and/or microclimates." 

"Mountains are also generally less preferable for human habitation than lowlands; the weather is often harsher, and there is little level ground suitable for agriculture. At very high altitudes, there is less oxygen in the air and less protection against solar radiation Acute mountain sickness, caused by hypoxia - a lack of oxygen in the blood, affects over half of lowlanders who spend more than a few hours above 3,500 meters, or 11,483 feet." 

"Today, you'll be learning how to scale these majestic landmarks."  Ghanima pressed a button on the remote, and brightly colored rocks appeared on the mountainside, as she gestured to the gear beside her.  "There's easy, medium, hard, and expert trails here today, you just have to follow the color-coded tape paths.  Or, you can try making your own goals.  Race each other, work in teams, or get a feel for some of the unconventional maneuvers you might have do in order to move about a mountain." 

"I just ask that you warm-up on the easy and medium trails first,  no matter how advanced you think yourself."

"If you are afraid of heights, then grab a walking-stick.  There are some hiking trails up the mountain, and I'd like you to take a walk, and acquaint yourself with the local flora and fauna."  

And yes, there were mountain goats. They were judging you.