Atmospheric pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the force per unit area exerted on a surface by the weight of air above that surface in the atmosphere of Earth (or that of another planet). In most circumstances atmospheric pressure is closely approximated by the hydrostatic pressure caused by the weight of air above the measurement point.

Overview

Atmospheric pressure is defined as the force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of the air above that surface. It is a fundamental concept in the fields of atmospheric science, meteorology, and physics. The standard atmosphere (symbol: atm) is a unit of pressure defined as 101325 Pa, which is equivalent to 760 mm Hg, 29.9212 inches Hg, or 14.696 psi.

Measurement

Atmospheric pressure is typically measured with a barometer. In a barometer, a column of mercury in a glass tube rises or falls as the weight of the atmosphere changes. Meteorologists measure atmospheric pressure in units of millibars (mb).

Effects on Weather

Atmospheric pressure plays a significant role in weather and climate. High pressure areas are generally associated with fair weather, while low pressure areas are associated with inclement weather. Changes in atmospheric pressure can often signal a change in weather.

Health Effects

Changes in atmospheric pressure can have noticeable effects on the human body. For example, rapid changes in pressure can lead to barotrauma, such as ear pain or more serious conditions.

See Also

• Barometer
• Meteorology
• Atmospheric Science
• Climate
• Barotrauma