What are Effects of Atmospheric Pressure??
Dear student,
Our atmosphere is a layer of air covering the earth from all side. Atmospheric pressure is caused by the weight of air molecules above the atmosphere. The layer of air exerts a force on the surface of the earth. The force per unit area, by the atmosphere, on the surface of any object on the earth is called atmospheric pressure. At the sea level this pressure is equal to 101325 Nm-2. As elevation increases, fewer air molecules are present. Therefore, atmospheric pressure always decreases with increasing height.
Effects of low atmospheric pressure
Humans can only survive up to the height of about 20,000 ft above sea level. Above the height of 20,000 ft, our body begins to suffer a physical condition called hypoxia. Tn this medical condition, our brain does not receive sufficient oxygen for long-term survival.
Actually at high altitudes (1500m and above), the atmoshphere contains approximately 21% of oxygen in the air. But due to the very low atmospheric pressure , the partial pressure of oxygen gets reduced. That means our lungs need significantly more energy to take in oxygen.
Next, when the atmospheric pressure drops, tissues expand. The expansion of tissues in and surrounding joints aggravates the nerves, causing pain.
Drops in atmospheric pressure also have an impact on headaches, particularly sinus headaches.
Effects of high atmospheric pressure
Increases in atmospheric pressure results in a condition called “ear popping”. Common experience when we strat desending in a plane. Here air particles rushes into the ears to balance out the pressure inside and outside of the ears. This may result in pain for some people.
Regards,
Dear student,
Our atmosphere is a layer of air covering the earth from all side. Atmospheric pressure is caused by the weight of air molecules above the atmosphere. The layer of air exerts a force on the surface of the earth. The force per unit area, by the atmosphere, on the surface of any object on the earth is called atmospheric pressure. At the sea level this pressure is equal to 101325 Nm-2. As elevation increases, fewer air molecules are present. Therefore, atmospheric pressure always decreases with increasing height.
Effects of low atmospheric pressure
Humans can only survive up to the height of about 20,000 ft above sea level. Above the height of 20,000 ft, our body begins to suffer a physical condition called hypoxia. Tn this medical condition, our brain does not receive sufficient oxygen for long-term survival.
Actually at high altitudes (1500m and above), the atmoshphere contains approximately 21% of oxygen in the air. But due to the very low atmospheric pressure , the partial pressure of oxygen gets reduced. That means our lungs need significantly more energy to take in oxygen.
Next, when the atmospheric pressure drops, tissues expand. The expansion of tissues in and surrounding joints aggravates the nerves, causing pain.
Drops in atmospheric pressure also have an impact on headaches, particularly sinus headaches.
Effects of high atmospheric pressure
Increases in atmospheric pressure results in a condition called “ear popping”. Common experience when we strat desending in a plane. Here air particles rushes into the ears to balance out the pressure inside and outside of the ears. This may result in pain for some people.
Regards,
