Barometric pressure

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is the force exerted by the atmosphere at a given point. It is measured with a device known as a barometer, which comes in various types, including mercury and aneroid barometers.

Definition

Barometric pressure is defined as the weight of the column of air above a unit area from sea level to the top of the atmosphere. It is typically measured in units of millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg). The standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 1013.25 mb or 29.92 inHg.

Measurement

The measurement of barometric pressure is crucial in various fields such as meteorology, aviation, and climatology. In meteorology, barometric pressure readings are used to predict weather changes. High pressure often indicates calm, sunny weather, while low pressure can signal rain, storms, or other adverse weather conditions.

Effects on Human Health

Changes in barometric pressure can have various effects on human health. Some people may experience headaches, joint pain, or other discomforts when the barometric pressure changes significantly. These effects are often more pronounced in individuals with certain medical conditions such as arthritis or migraine.

See Also

• Weather forecasting
• Meteorology
• Atmospheric pressure