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Air molecules are pushed closer together at sea level because the column of air pushing down is higher, and will tend be even higher at locations below sea level.

Although there are constant variations in air pressure due to weather, lower altitudes will generally have a higher pressure than higher altitudes.

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Q: Why is air pressure greater at a low altitude such as sea level than at a high altitude such as at the top of a mountain?
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Why is atmospheric pressure lower on the top of a mountain than it is at sea level?

When you are at a higher altitude, like on a mountain, you are farther up in the atmosphere meaning there is less air pressing down on you. When you are at a lower altitude, like at sea level, there is more air pressing down on you because there is more atmosphere above you.


Compare the air pressure at sea level with the air pressure on top of a mountain why are the two pressures different?

Air pressure can be modeled as column in that the lower the column regards the more of it pressing down upon you. Therefore, someone standing at sea level has a more air pressure pushing down on them then someone at high altitude (as in a mountain).


Is air pressure greater at sea level or on top of a mountain?

Air pressure is greater at sea level because there is more air above that is pressing down. Any atmosphere is more dense at the surface of the planet than at locations higher in altitude. (Areas that are lower than sea level will generally have still higher atmospheric pressure.)


Why is the level of air pressure less at the top of a mountain than it is at sea level?

Air is denser at lower altitudes and less dense at higher altitudes. If the bottom of the valley is directly below the mountain, at a lower altitude, then there is technically more air in the valley.


Where is air pressure the greatest in the atmosphere?

Air pressure is the amount of force exerted on an object by the atmosphere. It is greatest at sea level.It is greatest in the exosphere, due to the fact that air pressure is greater as the altitude rises; the exosphere is the highest level within the atmosphere.Air pressure is greatest in the areas that are small and enclosed. This is because there is no way to escape.

Related questions

Is the altitude greater at the top of a mountain?

A mountain top is higher (greater) in altitude. That is the definition of altitude : height above a surface, or above sea level.


How high is a mountain?

Attending an altitude greater then that of a hill,a mountain is usually about greater than 2000 ft. (610m)Note that this does not necessarily mean altitude above sea level.


Is atmospheric pressure higher on a mountain or sea level?

The answer is sea level. Because atmospheric pressure decreases when altitude increases


Is altitude greater at the top or bottom of the mountain?

At the top. "Altitude" means elevation or height above a surface, or above sea level.


Why is it that when you go up a mountain you get colder because your near to the sun?

because air pressure decreases as altitude increases. As air rises, the pressure decreases. It is the lower pressure at higher altitude that causes temperature to be colder on the top of a mountain compared to sea level.


Is altitude greater at sea level?

No it is not


Is air pressure in a cave greater than air pressure at sea level?

It all depends on the altitude of the cave. Note, a sealed cave can be pressurized, but as soon as it is opened the pressure will equalize.


Where is the air pressure greater at the bottom at the top of the mountain?

on the bottom of the mountainbeacause you are more below air level


Why is atmospheric pressure lower on the top of a mountain than it is at sea level?

When you are at a higher altitude, like on a mountain, you are farther up in the atmosphere meaning there is less air pressing down on you. When you are at a lower altitude, like at sea level, there is more air pressing down on you because there is more atmosphere above you.


Why do we get altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness occurs when people increase altitude too quickly. What is the cause of altitude sickness? Acute mountain sickness is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The faster you climb to a high altitude, the more likely you will get acute mountain sickness. You are at higher risk for acute mountain sickness if: You live at or near sea level and travel to a high altitude. Oct 16, 2017


Compare the air pressure at sea level with the air pressure on top of a mountain why are the two pressures different?

Air pressure can be modeled as column in that the lower the column regards the more of it pressing down upon you. Therefore, someone standing at sea level has a more air pressure pushing down on them then someone at high altitude (as in a mountain).


Is the temperature cooler in low altitude or higher altitude?

There is ever-so-slightly less... but good luck measuring that tiny difference!Altitude is the point at which an item sits in relation to sea or ground level.