The deduction to be drawn from these two factors is was clear enough. We must either so fortify ourselves that we could continue, without detriment, to live and have our being above the limit of natural acclimatization, or, better still, we must solve the problem of speed. It was desirable; in fact, that we must meet both these requirements and thus give to those chosen to attempt the summit and to their supporting teams some measures of insurance against the vagaries of the weather, for safety in mountain climbing is as much a matter of swiftness as of sureness of foot. Either or both could be achieved only by the administration of oxygen in sufficient quantities to make up for the deficiency in the air, and for the duration of the upward journey above the limit of successful acclimatization
The author believes that to overcome the problem of altitude and weather the climber needs mainly
- courage and speed
- energy and moral fortitude
-
sufficient quantity of oxygen
- swiftness and sureness of foot
- quick acclimatization
The correct answer is: C
Explanation
In the text, the author discusses the challenges posed by altitude and weather to climbers. These challenges include weakening, slowing down, and spending days and nights during the ascent due to altitude, as well as facing energy demands, moral fortitude challenges, and time constraints due to weather conditions. The author then suggests that fortification to continue living and being above natural acclimatization limits or solving the problem of speed would be necessary. The only option directly addressing this need for fortification against altitude challenges is a sufficient quantity of oxygen, which helps compensate for the deficiency in the air at high altitudes.