describe the atmospheric pressure decreases with the increase in height above the earth surface
Answers
There are a lot more air molecules near the earth surface due to the force of gravity but as the altitude increases, the amount of air molecules goes on decreasing. This is the reason why the atmospheric pressure keeps on decreasing as the altitude rises up. As there are many more air molecules near the surface of the earth, the atmospheric pressure is much more higher than that at higher elevations.
What is atmospheric pressure?
Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the air in our atmosphere. It can act upon as from all directions. It is measured in hectopascals or hPa.
Why are we not crushed under atmospheric pressure?
The blood present inside our veins and arteries exert an counter pressure against the atmospheric pressure. This is the reason why we are not crushed under atmospheric pressure.
What happens to us at high elevations?
Breathing will become quite difficult as we move to higher elevation due to less amount of air. Our skin will usually turn reddish in colour as our blood is pumping great amounts of blood. Sudden altitudinal changes can even cause bursting of veins in the ears and nose.
✔ Atmospheric pressure is highest at sea level and all contexts related to atmospheric pressure are taken in connection with the sea level.