BAROMETRIC FORMULA Meaning and
Definition
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The barometric formula is a mathematical equation used in atmospheric physics and meteorology to describe the relationship between air pressure and altitude. It establishes the way that air pressure changes as an individual moves upwards or downwards in the Earth's atmosphere. This formula provides a quantitative relationship between these variables by incorporating the principles of hydrostatics and gas laws.
The barometric formula applies the ideal gas law to a column of air, considering the decrease in pressure with increasing altitude and the variation in temperature. It assumes that the temperature decreases at a constant rate with height and that the atmosphere is in hydrostatic equilibrium. This equilibrium implies that the weight of the air above a certain point is balanced by the pressure exerted on that point.
The formula typically includes variables such as the local sea-level pressure, the temperature lapse rate, and the specific gas constant for dry air. By using these inputs, the barometric formula calculates the pressure at a given altitude relative to the sea level. It enables the estimation of atmospheric pressure at various altitudes, facilitating the prediction of weather conditions and changes in elevation.
The barometric formula has broad applications in the fields of weather forecasting, aviation, mountaineering, and other scientific disciplines that require understanding and predicting atmospheric conditions. It serves as a fundamental tool for understanding air pressure variations and its impact on weather patterns while aiding in the interpretation of meteorological data and the analysis of atmospheric phenomena.
Etymology of BAROMETRIC FORMULA
The word "barometric" comes from the combination of two Greek words, "baros" meaning "weight" and "metron" meaning "measure". The word "formula" is derived from the Latin word "formula" which means a prescribed set of instructions or a rule. Therefore, the term "barometric formula" is a combination of these words and refers to a mathematical equation or rule used to measure atmospheric pressure at different altitudes.
