Research from Princeton University suggests that altitude can bar ethnic groups native to low-lying areas from high-elevation areas such as the Tibetan Plateau and the Andes, which could cause ethnic segregation and tension. The researchers studied the traditional and current presence of Han Chinese in the Tibetan homeland. A map (above) of 1,960 settlements indicated if a location has a Han Chinese (red dots) or Tibetan (blue dots) name. The presence of traditionally Chinese towns peaked at 8,900 feet, or 2,700 meters, above sea level (yellow areas). Meanwhile, the greatest number of settlements with a Tibetan name is at 14,760 feet, or 4,500 meters (white area). (Image by Tsering Shawa)
Ethnic segregation in nations straddling the world's steepest terrains may be reinforced by the biological tolerance different peoples have to altitude, according to one of the first studies to examine the effect of elevation on ethnic demographics. Research from Princeton University published in the journal Applied Geography suggests that people native to low-lying areas can be naturally barred from regions such as the Tibetan Plateau, the Andes or the Himalayas by altitude sickness, which is caused by low oxygen concentration in the air and can be life-threatening. As a result, the homogeny of the local population can increase with elevation. In nations shared by people of highand lowland extractions, this separation can potentially increase ethnic tension. The researchers studied Tibet and found that elevation has heavily influenced the location of the surrounding region's population of Han Chinese, who make up 92 percent of China's population and originate from the country's eastern plains. Tibet has an average elevation of roughly 14,370 feet (4,380 meters) above sea level. The number of settlements with a large Han Chinese population peaks at around 8,900 feet (2,700 meters), while Tibetan settlements only begin to peter out beyond 17,000 feet (5,200 meters), the researchers found.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
