How does Peter Matthiessen use imagery in The Snow Leopard?

Imagery:

"Through a shaft of sun moves a band of Magar women, scarlet-shawled; they wear heavy brass ornaments in the left nostril."

"Down mountain fields, a path of stones flows like mercury in the sunlight; even the huts have roofs of silver slates."

"Now, halfway around the world, as tears freeze at the corners of my eyes, I hear strange sounds, a yelping like a lonely mountain fox, and a moment later burst out laughing, thinking how D herself would laugh at an idea so delicious as wailing with lost love in the snow mountains."