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Aerial tramway Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Aerial Tramways: History, Technology, and Incidents

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Aerial Tramways: History, Technology, and Incidents Study Guide

Aerial Tramway Fundamentals

An aerial tramway is characterized by cabins equipped with grips that are permanently affixed to the propulsion cable.

Answer: True

Explanation: This is a defining characteristic of aerial tramways, distinguishing them from systems where cabins may detach at terminals.

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Gondola lifts are typically reversible systems where cabins shuttle back and forth, stopping and reversing direction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gondola lifts are generally continuous circulation systems. Reversible systems, where cabins shuttle back and forth, are characteristic of aerial tramways.

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An aerial tramway system is dependent solely upon a moving cable for both support and propulsion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aerial tramways utilize stationary support cables (track cables) in addition to the moving haulage rope for propulsion.

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Propulsion in an aerial tramway is achieved by electric motors driving the haulage rope, to which cabins are attached via a grip mechanism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Electric motors power the haulage rope, and the cabins are secured to this rope by a grip mechanism.

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Aerial tramways are classified as 'continuous systems' because their cabins circulate constantly without stopping.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aerial tramways are typically 'reversible systems,' meaning cabins travel back and forth and the haulage rope stops and reverses. Continuous circulation is characteristic of gondola lifts.

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The 'jig-back' system utilizes the weight of one descending cabin to aid in pulling the ascending cabin in two-car aerial tramways.

Answer: True

Explanation: This counterbalancing principle is fundamental to the operation of the jig-back system in two-car aerial tramways.

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What is a defining characteristic of an aerial tramway's cabin grip mechanism?

Answer: The grip is permanently fixed to the propulsion cable.

Explanation: The permanent attachment of the grip mechanism to the propulsion cable is a fundamental feature distinguishing aerial tramways.

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How does an aerial tramway typically differ from a gondola lift in terms of operation?

Answer: Aerial tramways are typically reversible systems, while gondola lifts are continuous.

Explanation: Aerial tramways operate on a reversible principle with cabins shuttling back and forth, whereas gondola lifts employ a continuous circulation system.

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What are the two types of cables used in an aerial tramway system as described in the source?

Answer: Track cables (support) and haulage rope (propulsion)

Explanation: Aerial tramways utilize stationary track cables for support and a moving haulage rope for propulsion.

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How is motive force typically generated and applied in an aerial tramway?

Answer: An electric motor driving the haulage rope, connected to cabins via grips.

Explanation: Electric motors are employed to drive the haulage rope, which subsequently propels the cabins through their attached grip mechanisms.

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What does it mean for an aerial tramway to be classified as a 'reversible system'?

Answer: Cabins travel back and forth between two terminals, and the haulage rope stops and reverses.

Explanation: A reversible system signifies that cabins traverse between two points, with the propulsion cable stopping and reversing direction to facilitate this movement.

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In the 'jig-back' system, what assists in moving the cabins?

Answer: The weight of the descending cabin helps pull the ascending cabin.

Explanation: The jig-back system leverages the gravitational potential energy of the descending cabin to assist in the ascent of the opposing cabin.

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What is the function of the middle cable in the configuration shown in the 'HoldAndPull.jpg' image?

Answer: To support the weight of the gondola or cabin.

Explanation: In systems depicted like 'HoldAndPull.jpg', the middle cable serves the critical function of bearing the load of the gondola or cabin.

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Historical Pioneers and Early Development

Fausto Veranzio designed the first operational aerial tramway in Gdańsk, Poland.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fausto Veranzio is credited with the initial design of an aerial lift, but Adam Wybe constructed the first operational aerial tramway in Gdańsk in 1644.

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Adam Wybe's 1644 aerial tramway was primarily used for transporting passengers between cities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adam Wybe's pioneering aerial tramway in 1644 was utilized for engineering purposes, specifically for transporting soil to construct defensive fortifications.

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The development of steel cables was a key technological advancement incorporated into aerial lifts built around the mid-19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The introduction of iron wire cable, and subsequently steel cables, marked a significant technological progression in aerial lift construction around the mid-19th century, approximately two centuries after earlier systems.

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Leonardo Torres Quevedo designed the first aerial tramway intended solely for public passenger transport.

Answer: True

Explanation: Quevedo's innovative designs led to the first aerial tramway specifically engineered for public passenger transportation, operational from 1907.

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Who is credited with the initial design of an aerial lift, and who built the first operational one?

Answer: Fausto Veranzio designed it; Adam Wybe built it.

Explanation: Fausto Veranzio is recognized for the initial conceptual design, while Adam Wybe was responsible for the construction of the first operational aerial tramway.

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What was the primary purpose of Adam Wybe's aerial tramway built in 1644?

Answer: Moving soil for defensive fortifications.

Explanation: Wybe's early system was engineered for the practical task of moving earth for the construction of fortifications.

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What technological advancement was incorporated in cable lifts built around the mid-19th century, distinguishing them from earlier systems like Wybe's?

Answer: The use of iron wire cable.

Explanation: The transition to iron wire cable represented a significant material and engineering advancement over the ropes used in earlier constructions.

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Who designed the first aerial tramway specifically for public passenger transport, and where was it installed?

Answer: Leonardo Torres Quevedo in San Sebastián

Explanation: Leonardo Torres Quevedo's pioneering work resulted in the first aerial tramway designed exclusively for public passenger transport, inaugurated in San Sebastián.

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Evolution and Applications

During the early 20th century, aerial tramways were vital for transporting ore in mountainous mining regions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Aerial tramways proved indispensable for efficiently moving materials from high-altitude mines to processing facilities during this period.

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The Kennecott Copper mine in Alaska and operations in the Alps were major North American users of early aerial tramways.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Kennecott Copper mine in Alaska was a significant user, the Alps are in Europe, not North America. Major North American users included operations in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

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Aerial tramways were generally more expensive to build than rack railways for accessing high mountain areas.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aerial tramways offered a more economical solution for accessing high mountain regions compared to the construction costs associated with rack railways.

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The first passenger aerial tramway in North America was established in New Hampshire in 1938.

Answer: True

Explanation: The aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire, marked the introduction of passenger aerial tramways to North America in 1938.

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Which industry heavily relied on aerial tramways in the early 20th century for transporting materials from high-altitude locations?

Answer: Mining

Explanation: The mining sector extensively utilized aerial tramways for the efficient transport of extracted materials from challenging high-altitude terrains.

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Compared to rack railways, aerial tramways were considered a more ______ option for accessing high mountain areas.

Answer: Economical

Explanation: Aerial tramways presented a more cost-effective solution for accessing elevated mountain locations relative to the infrastructure demands of rack railways.

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Modern Systems and Industry Leaders

The Doppelmayr Garaventa Group, the Leitner Group, and Poma are minor players in the current aerial lift market.

Answer: False

Explanation: These three entities are recognized as the dominant global manufacturers in the contemporary aerial lift industry.

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The Vanoise Express cable car in France is known for its single-deck cabins carrying a small number of passengers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Vanoise Express is distinguished by its double-deck cabins, each capable of accommodating 200 passengers, representing a significant capacity.

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The CabriO cable car on the Stanserhorn in Switzerland offers an open-air seating area on its upper deck.

Answer: True

Explanation: The CabriO design incorporates an open-air upper deck, providing passengers with an unobstructed panoramic viewing experience.

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The 'Wings of Tatev' in Armenia holds the record for the world's longest continuously operating aerial tramway.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Wings of Tatev' holds the record for the world's longest single-section reversible cable car line, not the longest continuously operating one.

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The Masada cableway in Israel has the world's highest station.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Masada cableway is recognized for having the world's lowest station, situated significantly below sea level.

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The Testa Grigia aerial tramway is primarily used for transporting skiers to a glacier.

Answer: True

Explanation: This tramway facilitates access for skiers to a glacier situated at a high altitude.

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The Titlis gondola is designed with stationary cabins to ensure stability.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Titlis gondola features rotating cabins, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views, rather than stationary ones for stability.

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The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway uses rotating cabins to offer passengers a 360-degree view.

Answer: True

Explanation: The rotating design of the cabins on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is specifically intended to provide passengers with comprehensive 360-degree panoramic vistas.

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The Kalklinbanan-Granhammar image shows a system for transporting passengers between ski resorts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kalklinbanan-Granhammar image depicts a ropeway conveyor system utilized for transporting limestone, not passengers between ski resorts.

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Lift-World.info is mentioned as a resource for information on the Tatever ropeway in Armenia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lift-World.info is cited as a general database for aerial tramways; specific mention of the Tatever ropeway is made separately, though it is likely cataloged there.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a major global manufacturer dominating the aerial lift market today?

Answer: Ropeway Systems Inc.

Explanation: The dominant manufacturers identified are the Doppelmayr Garaventa Group, the Leitner Group, and Poma. 'Ropeway Systems Inc.' is not listed among them.

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What unique feature distinguishes the Vanoise Express cable car in France?

Answer: It features double-deck cabins capable of carrying 200 passengers each.

Explanation: The Vanoise Express is notable for its substantial capacity, facilitated by its double-deck cabins, each designed to transport 200 individuals.

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The CabriO cable car on the Stanserhorn in Switzerland is known for its:

Answer: Open-air upper deck seating.

Explanation: The CabriO's distinctive feature is its open-air upper deck, providing passengers with an immersive scenic experience.

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Which aerial tramway holds the record for the world's lowest station?

Answer: The Masada cableway

Explanation: The Masada cableway in Israel holds the distinction of operating the world's lowest-altitude station.

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What type of transportation is depicted in the Kalklinbanan-Granhammar image?

Answer: A ropeway conveyor for transporting limestone.

Explanation: The Kalklinbanan-Granhammar image illustrates an industrial ropeway system designed for the transport of limestone.

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Significant Incidents and Safety Considerations

The 1960 Monte Faito cableway accident was caused by a cabin detaching completely from its support structure.

Answer: False

Explanation: The accident occurred when a main cable slipped off its pulley as a cabin approached the terminal, leading to a fall, rather than a complete detachment from the structure.

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The Vallée Blanche Aerial Tramway accident in 1961 was caused by a military plane damaging the hauling cable.

Answer: True

Explanation: A military aircraft's action resulted in the splitting of the hauling cable, leading to the catastrophic failure of the tramway.

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In the 1974 Ulriksbanen accident, the carrying rope broke, causing the carriage to fall.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ulriksbanen accident involved the breakage of the tow rope, which caused the carriage to derail from the carrying rope after jamming.

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The 1976 Cavalese cable car crash was a result of a broken cable, leading to a cabin falling and causing 43 fatalities.

Answer: True

Explanation: A broken cable caused a cabin to fall in Cavalese in 1976, resulting in a tragic loss of 43 lives.

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During the 1978 Squaw Valley incident, the cabins detached due to excessive speed.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Squaw Valley incident involved carrying ropes detaching from their support tower due to storm damage, not excessive speed.

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The 1990 Tbilisi Cable car accident involved the failure of a carrying rope, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tbilisi accident was caused by the failure of a hauling rope, not a carrying rope.

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The 1998 Cavalese cable car disaster was caused by U.S. Marine Corps jets severing the aerial ropeway's cable.

Answer: True

Explanation: The tragic event in Cavalese in 1998 was directly linked to the actions of U.S. Marine Corps jets cutting the aerial ropeway's cable.

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In the 1999 Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy accident, the cable car fell 80 meters after detaching from its cable, killing all 20 occupants.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy disaster involved a car plummeting 80 meters following detachment from its cable, resulting in the loss of all 20 lives aboard.

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The Darjeeling Ropeway incident in 2003 involved a collision between two cars.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Darjeeling Ropeway incident in 2003 involved three cars slipping off their cable, not a collision between cars.

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The 2004 Yerevan urban cable car incident involved one cabin derailing and falling, while the other collided with the lower station.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Yerevan incident was characterized by one cabin derailing and falling, while the second cabin impacted the lower station.

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The 2012 Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway incident was caused by mechanical failure leading to a cabin crash.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2012 incident at Alyeska Resort was caused by high winds that blew the tram sideways, causing it to impale itself on a tower guide, not by mechanical failure leading to a crash.

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In the 2021 Stresa-Mottarone disaster, a cable failure near the summit resulted in 14 deaths.

Answer: True

Explanation: A critical cable failure near the summit of Mottarone mountain led to the tragic deaths of 14 individuals in 2021.

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The Ještěd mountain cable car accident in 2021 involved a cabin falling after its carrying cable snapped.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ještěd accident involved a cabin detaching from its cable, not the carrying cable snapping.

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The 2024 Antalya, Turkey cable car accident resulted in one fatality and seven injuries after a cabin collided with a pole.

Answer: True

Explanation: A collision with a pole caused a cabin to break open in Antalya, Turkey, leading to one fatality and seven injuries.

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What was the primary cause of the 1960 Monte Faito cableway accident?

Answer: A main cable slipped off its pulley.

Explanation: The Monte Faito accident was precipitated by a main cable dislodging from its pulley mechanism.

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The 1961 Vallée Blanche Aerial Tramway accident tragically resulted in fatalities due to:

Answer: A military plane splitting the hauling cable.

Explanation: The catastrophic failure leading to fatalities in the Vallée Blanche accident was caused by a military aircraft severing the hauling cable.

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In the 1974 Ulriksbanen accident, what component failed, leading to the carriage's derailment and fall?

Answer: The tow rope

Explanation: The failure of the tow rope was the critical event that led to the carriage's derailment and subsequent fall in the 1974 Ulriksbanen accident.

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Which aerial tramway disaster in 1998 involved U.S. military aircraft?

Answer: The Cavalese cable car disaster

Explanation: The 1998 Cavalese cable car disaster was caused by U.S. Marine Corps jets severing the aerial ropeway's cable.

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How many people lost their lives in the 1999 Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy cable car disaster?

Answer: 20

Explanation: All 20 occupants of the cable car perished in the tragic accident in Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy in 1999.

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What happened on the Darjeeling Ropeway in 2003, resulting in fatalities?

Answer: Three cars slipped off their cable.

Explanation: The 2003 incident on the Darjeeling Ropeway involved three cars disengaging from their cable, leading to fatalities and injuries.

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The 2004 Yerevan urban cable car incident involved:

Answer: A single cabin falling after derailment, and the other colliding with the station.

Explanation: The Yerevan incident comprised two distinct failures: one cabin derailed and fell, while the other impacted the lower station.

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What caused the damage to the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway in 2012?

Answer: High winds causing the tram to impale itself on a tower.

Explanation: Extreme wind conditions were the cause of the damage, forcing the tram sideways into a tower.

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In the 2021 Ještěd mountain cable car accident, what was the immediate cause of the fatality?

Answer: A cabin detached from its cable.

Explanation: The fatal outcome in the Ještěd accident was a direct result of a cabin becoming detached from its supporting cable.

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Terminology and Global Variations

In British English, the term 'cable car' exclusively refers to street trams pulled by a cable.

Answer: False

Explanation: In British English, 'cable car' commonly denotes an aerial tramway. The exclusive reference to street trams is more typical of American English usage.

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The term 'ropeway' is used in Japan to specifically denote aerial tramways, distinct from gondola lifts.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Japan, the term 'ropeway' is generally used to categorize both aerial tramways and gondola lifts, rather than distinguishing between them.

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The Willem Hondius etching in the gallery depicts the San Francisco cable car system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Willem Hondius etching illustrates Adam Wybe's early cable car system in Gdańsk, Poland, not the San Francisco system.

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The 'See also' section lists 'Cable ferry' and 'Chairlift' as related topics to aerial tramways.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'See also' section typically enumerates related concepts and transport systems, including 'Cable ferry' and 'Chairlift'.

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Which term is commonly used for aerial tramways in British English but can also refer to cable-pulled street trams in American English?

Answer: Cable car

Explanation: The term 'cable car' exhibits distinct usage, referring to aerial tramways in British English and often to street trams in American English.

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In Japan, what is the general linguistic categorization for both aerial tramways and gondola lifts?

Answer: Ropeway

Explanation: In Japan, the term 'ropeway' serves as a broad classification encompassing both aerial tramways and gondola lifts.

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