Atmospheric Pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above us. It is caused by the gravitational pull of the Earth on the molecules in the air.

Factors Affecting Atmospheric Pressure

Several factors can affect atmospheric pressure:

Altitude: As altitude increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases because there is less air above pushing down.
Temperature: Warmer air is less dense and exerts less pressure, while colder air is denser and exerts more pressure.
Weather Systems: High-pressure systems are associated with clear, dry weather, while low-pressure systems are associated with cloudy, wet weather.

Units of Measurement

Atmospheric pressure is often measured in units of pressure such as millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg).

Effects of Atmospheric Pressure

Changes in atmospheric pressure can have various effects on the environment and living organisms. For example, changes in pressure can affect weather patterns and can cause discomfort for some people, especially in their ears and sinuses.

Studying Atmospheric Pressure

When studying atmospheric pressure, it's important to understand the concept of pressure, how it is measured, and the factors that can affect it. Practice using barometers and understanding how to interpret weather patterns based on atmospheric pressure readings.

Additionally, it's valuable to learn about the historical development of the concept of atmospheric pressure and its role in weather forecasting and aviation.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Our impact on earth

Vocabulary/Answer key

Our impact on earth

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Analyze and interpret data (e.g., tables, graphs, maps of global and regional temperatures; atmospheric levels of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane; rates of human activities) to describe how various human activities (e.g., use of fossil fuels, creation of urban heat islands, agricultural practices) and natural processes (e.g., solar radiation, greenhouse effect, volcanic activity) may cause changes in local and global temperatures over time.

Earth and Human Activity

Analyze evidence (e.g., databases on human populations, rates of consumption of food and other natural resources) to explain how changes in human population, per capita consumption of natural resources, and other human activities (e.g., land use, resource development, water and air pollution, urbanization) affect Earth’s systems.

Implement scientific principles to design processes for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment (e.g., water usage, including withdrawal of water from streams and aquifers or construction of dams and levees; land usage, including urban development, agriculture, or removal of wetlands; pollution of air, water, and land).