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Chapter 9: Problem 34

Imagine that you check the barometric pressure and find that it is only \(920 \mathrm{mb}\). Two possible effects could be responsible for this lower-than- average reading. What are they?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The two possible effects are low-pressure weather systems and higher altitude.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is the force exerted by the atmosphere at a given point. A standard sea-level pressure is approximately 1013 millibars (mb). A reading of 920 mb indicates a pressure significantly lower than average.
02

Identify the First Possible Effect - Weather Systems

One common cause of lower-than-average barometric pressure is the presence of a low-pressure weather system, such as a cyclone or hurricane. These systems are characterized by ascending air, which creates lower pressure at the surface.
03

Identify the Second Possible Effect - Altitude Influence

Another possible reason for lower barometric pressure is elevation. At higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases because there is less atmosphere weighing down from above.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Weather Systems
Weather systems play a crucial role in influencing barometric pressure. A weather system can be defined as the pattern or state of the atmosphere in a particular area at a specific time. Among the various weather systems, low-pressure systems are especially significant because they often bring different weather conditions.
  • Low-pressure weather systems can result in storms, cyclones, and hurricanes.
  • These systems are associated with rising air, which leads to the formation of clouds and precipitation.
  • When air rises, it cools and expands, leading to cloud formation.
If you observe a barometric pressure reading much lower than the average 1013 mb, it is likely that a low-pressure system is in the vicinity. Always remember, understanding weather systems help in predicting weather changes effectively.
Low-pressure Systems
Low-pressure systems are one of the main culprits of decreased barometric pressure readings. In these systems, air rises towards the center, causing pressure at the surface to drop.
  • A low-pressure system is associated with unsettled weather, like rain and strong winds.
  • Characteristics of low-pressure areas include cloudiness, high winds, and storms.
  • They can lead to snowfall or rainfall depending on the temperature of the environment.
The mechanism of air rising in a low-pressure system is essential for students to grasp because it directly influences weather forecasting and understanding air mass movements.
Altitude Influence
Altitude greatly affects barometric pressure. As altitude increases, barometric pressure decreases because there is less atmosphere above exerting pressure.
  • At sea level, the standard atmospheric pressure is approximately 1013 mb.
  • As you go higher, the number of air molecules decreases, making the air less dense.
  • For every 100 meters ascent, the pressure drops by about 12 mb.
Understanding the influence of altitude is vital, especially for those in mountainous regions or those traveling by airplane. It explains why mountaineers need to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. Recognizing the relationship between altitude and pressure helps in multiple applications, from weather predictions to aeronautics.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Why are we unable to get a clear view of the surface of Venus, as we have so successfully done with the surface of Mars?

Less massive molecules tend to escape from an atmosphere more often than more massive ones because a. the gravitational force on them is less. b. they are moving faster. c. they are more buoyant. d. they are smaller, and so experience fewer collisions on their way out.

The atmosphere of Mars is often pink-orange because a. it is dominated by carbon dioxide. b. the Sun is at a low angle in the sky. c. Mars has no oceans to reflect blue light to the sky. d. winds lift dust into the atmosphere.

Hadley circulation is broken into zonal winds by a. convection from solar heating. b. hurricanes and other storms. c. interactions with the solar wind. d. the planet's rapid rotation.

Oxygen molecules \(\left(\mathrm{O}_{2}\right)\) are 16 times as massive as hydrogen molecules \(\left(\mathrm{H}_{2}\right)\). Carbon dioxide molecules \(\left(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\right)\) are 22 times as massive as \(\mathrm{H}_2.\) a. Compare the average speed of \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\), molecules in a volume of air. b. Does this ratio depend on air temperature?
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