What Is Barometric Pressure?

Barometric pressure is a measure of the atmospheric pressure in the air.

Barometric pressure is often also referred to as atmospheric pressure. Whatever one calls it, it is something that is important and helpful in many applications. Even though it is a relatively complex scientific concept, barometric pressure can be measured and used by nearly anyone given a little instruction.

Identification

Barometric pressure is the force that is exerted on objects by the weight of the atmosphere above them. While it isn't common for us to think of gas as weighing on anything, as matter it does in fact have mass. Because of this and the effect of gravity upon the gas, the air above us and around us does weigh down on us. When it is measured, this force is referred to as barometric or atmospheric pressure.

Features

Barometric pressure is measured in terms of the downward force that the atmosphere exerts per unit of a certain area. This reading is often taken by a barometer. Barometers differ in design and in precise functionality, but they all serve the centralized function of providing a reading of barometric pressure. The standard atmospheric pressure, or average pressure around sea level, is estimated to be 101.325 kPa, which is also known as 1 atm, or 1 atmosphere of pressure.

Geography

Barometric pressure varies with weather patterns and geography. Higher elevations have lesser atmospheric pressure because they simply have less atmosphere above them. In lower elevations, of course, the opposite is true.

Function

The function of barometric pressure within the world is important because if it did not exist, then the atmosphere wouldn't either. If the gases within the atmosphere weren't acted upon by the force of gravity, then there would be nothing to keep them from dissipating, leaving the earth uninhabitable for lifeforms. Of course, meteorologists also use barometric pressure to predict weather patterns and other scientists and researches use it to help in various scientific calculations.

Expert Insight

One easy way for the layperson to observe the forces exerted by atmospheric pressure is the act of boiling water. Boiling water at a low elevation is much easier than at a high elevation. At sea level, distilled water boils at 212 degrees F. Higher temperatures are required above sea level and lower ones below it. This is because the downward force of barometric pressure is part of what causes water to boil. The less pressure there is, the more heat energy is required.

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