Physical Geography Laboratory Manual (12th Edition)
Physical Geography Laboratory Manual (12th Edition)
12th Edition
ISBN: 9780134561011
Author: Darrel Hess
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
100%
Book Icon
Chapter 5, Problem 1LC
To determine

To explain: The reason for the decrease in the atmospheric pressure with an altitude.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1LC

The atmospheric pressure usually decreases as the altitude increases because of the compressible nature of Earth’s atmosphere, and the weaker influence of Earth’s gravity at the higher altitudes.

Explanation of Solution

The atmospheric pressure can be defined as the force exerted by the mass of gas molecules on a unit area of Earth's surface as well as on any other body on Earth.

The atmosphere is composed of gases that contain mass. As atmosphere has a weight, this mass is being pulled towards Earth by gravitational force.

The atmospheric pressure is omnidirectional, means it exerts the force equally in all directions (above, below, sides, and diagonally).

The atmospheric pressure is about 14.7 pounds per square inch at the sea level. Atmospheric pressure decreases with an increasing altitude because the actual number of gas molecules is also reduced. As we move farther away from Earth and its gravitational pull, the number of gas molecules present in the atmosphere will be lesser.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
In this course, we examine how social, economic, political and cultural processes transform relationships between people and the spaces they inhabit. Globalization is one of the key processes shaping human geographies in the 21st century. Although globalization operates at a planetary scale, its effects are felt in the spaces and routines of daily life. For this assignment, you are asked you to observe and analyze how globalization manifests in your own everyday experiences. Objectives • • Apply core geographic concepts of place, space and scale • Identify concrete examples of how global processes shape local contexts • Develop skills in observation and analysis Instructions 1. Choose two aspects of daily life from the following list that you will use to explore the influences of globalization: ○ Material goods - commodities, food ○ Media & entertainment о Technology & communication о Social connections and relationships O Linguistic or cultural landscapes 2. For each aspect, identify…
Draw a solar system with 9 planets
Write an opening statement and a brief background for this discussion: efforts should be made to create distance and separate crops that produce pollutants such as ecoli (i.e. animal farming) from crops that don’t (i.e. lettuce) to protect these latter crops despite the extra costs and logistical challenges.
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,