Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above a given point. It's essentially the cumulative weight of all the air molecules in the atmosphere pressing down on a given area.
Factors Affecting Atmospheric Pressure
According to the provided reference, atmospheric pressure at any given point depends on:
- Altitude: As you increase in altitude, the atmospheric pressure decreases. This is because there is less air above you pushing down. This decrease in pressure is significant enough to affect even something as simple as a mountain hike.
- Temperature: Temperature also affects atmospheric pressure. Warmer air is less dense and tends to rise, leading to lower pressure. Conversely, cooler air is denser and tends to sink, resulting in higher pressure.
How Altitude and Temperature Affect Atmospheric Pressure
| Factor | Effect on Atmospheric Pressure | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | Decreases | Less air above exerts less weight. |
| Temperature | Warmer: Decreases; Cooler: Increases | Warmer air is less dense and rises; cooler air is denser and sinks. |
Practical Implications
The variations in atmospheric pressure due to altitude and temperature drive weather patterns around the globe. These pressure differences create winds, storms, and other atmospheric phenomena. The reference also states that this affects weather patterns across the world.
