The location on Earth with the lowest typical atmospheric pressure is generally considered to be the summit of Mount Everest.
While areas within intense storms like hurricanes and cyclones can momentarily experience even lower pressures, the sustained lowest pressure reliably found on Earth is at high altitudes.
Why Mount Everest?
- Altitude and Pressure: Air pressure decreases as altitude increases. This is because there is less air pushing down from above.
- Highest Point: Mount Everest, at approximately 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level, is the highest point on Earth. Consequently, it has the least amount of atmosphere above it, resulting in the lowest average atmospheric pressure.
Atmospheric Pressure Comparison
The following table illustrates typical atmospheric pressures at different locations:
| Location | Approximate Atmospheric Pressure (hPa) |
|---|---|
| Sea Level | 1013.25 |
| Mount Everest Summit | ~337 |
Storms and Low Pressure
It's important to note that severe weather systems, particularly hurricanes (typhoons) and cyclones, can generate incredibly low atmospheric pressures within the eye of the storm. These pressures can be lower than that at the summit of Everest, but these are transient phenomena and not a constant condition. For example, Super Typhoon Tip in 1979 recorded a central pressure of 870 hPa. However, these extreme low-pressure areas are localized and temporary.
In summary, although storms can briefly create lower pressure zones, the sustained lowest air pressure on Earth is reliably found on Mount Everest.
