Rope Energy Absorption
It is a little known fact that the primary purpose of a rope is to dissipate energy (E) during a fall or resulting from an abseil.
The formula used to calculate the energy that is generated in such circumstances is:
E(potential) = mass x gravitational constant x height.
(gravitational constant = 9.8m/s) and the resultant answer is an expression of Joules.
So when an abseil or fall takes place the energy has to be released through the various components of the climbing system (including pulleys, links and ropes). Perhaps the most useful energy dissipater is the rope.
The climbers rope elongates (or stretches (see Rope - Dynamic vs. Static)) and the degree of this elongation is determined by the ropes material and method of construction.