What happens to air pressure as you move up in elevation through the troposphere?
Atmospheric pressure in the troposphere drops by about 1 inch of mercury for every thousand feet of altitude above sea level. Gravity of the earth holds our atmosphere close to the surface, so the density (and pressure) of air gets gradually lower as you go to higher altitude.
What happens to air pressure in the troposphere?
Air is warmest at the bottom of the troposphere near ground level. Air gets colder as one rises through the troposphere. That’s why the peaks of tall mountains can be snow-covered even in the summertime. Air pressure and the density of the air also decrease with altitude.
What happens when you go higher in the troposphere?
The troposphere is the lowest layer of our atmosphere. Starting at ground level, it extends upward to about 10 km (6.2 miles or about 33,000 feet) above sea level. Air pressure drops, and temperatures get colder, as you climb higher in the troposphere.
What happens to the air pressure in the atmosphere as you move up away from the earth?
The closer to the Earth’s surface, the greater the weight (or force) of the atmosphere because air near the surface has ALL air above it pushing down on it. As an airplane travels higher into the atmosphere, air pressure decreases. As you travel away from the Earth’s surface, the atmosphere expands the further you go.
Why does air pressure decrease from the troposphere to the thermosphere?
For instance, if you live at a higher altitude, the pressure will be less than when you travel to lower altitudes. Pressure also changes as weather patterns move through areas. Air pressure is so minimal at the top of the thermosphere that an air molecule can travel large distances before hitting another air molecule.
How does atmospheric pressure change in the troposphere?
1 Answer. Chuck W. Atmospheric pressure in the troposphere drops by about 1 inch of mercury for every thousand feet of altitude above sea level. Gravity of the earth holds our atmosphere close to the surface, so the density (and pressure) of air gets gradually lower as you go to higher altitude.
How much does atmospheric pressure decrease at altitude?
At sea level, atmospheric pressure is about 30 inches of mercury, and this decreases at a rate of approximately 1 inch for every thousand feet of altitude above sea level, so at an altitude of 4000 feet, the pressure is approximately 26 inches of mercury.
Why is air pressure greater at sea level?
The mass of all these gas molecules is called air pressure. The pull of gravity results in more gas molecules at sea level than higher up. Therefore, the air pressure is greater closer to the ground. What happens in the mesosphere?
Can you feel the Wind in the troposphere?
When you feel the wind on your face, see clouds in the sky, and watch a bird flap its wings in flight, you’re experiencing the troposphere. It’s a pretty nice layer to call home. Visit other layers in Earth’s atmosphere. Go out to the stratosphere.