(Zmoon = 0 km)
(z = 102,800 feet)
in ambient air
(z = 32,000 feet)
Mt. Everest
(z = 102,800 feet)
(z = 5,280 feet)
(z = )
(Z = 0 ft)
(z = - 3,900 m)
(z = -36,201 feet)
Pressure at Natural Locations Pressure is a fluid idea (a gas or liquid has pressure). To discuss pressure in a natural way means at some atmospheric or oceanic location as it is, occurs naturally (we cannot change those pressures). Values citied are averages, (and approximate, of course. Naturally produced pressures vary slightly (or greatly) in time, in accord with the (local - good word to use here) weather.
| MOON |
p = 10-14atm (Zmoon = 0 km) |
The mixture of gases, Lunar Atmosphere, is very thin but exhibits the property, pressure. Were that entire atmosphere compressed STP (1 atm and 80°F) its volume would be 210 cubic feet. Although research is incomplete, helium, argon, sodium and potassium have been identified as elements of the lunar atmosphere. |
| BALLOON |
p = ??? atm (z = 102,800 feet) |
August the 16th, 1960, Captain Joseph Kittinger made the world record parachute jump from a helium-filled balloon - 102,800 feet. He proved, given the proper equipment, a person could survive at extremely high altitudes. |
| Airliner in ambient air |
p = 0.4 ??? atm (z = 32,000 feet) |
Airliners fly at high altitudes to save fuel. Since the air is thin, it is easier to fly through. |
| Climbers on Mt. Everest |
p = ??? atm (z = 102,800 feet) |
Got money? You can buy a walk to the top of Mount Everest. Air pressure is low there. |
| Denver USA |
p = ??? atm (z = 5,280 feet) |
Mile High Stadium: The elevation of the stadium of the Denver Bronco's is very close to one mile (5280 feet) above sea level. Atheletes who compete in the stadium need to acclimate themselves to the low density of ambient air. |
| Burj al Arab |
p = ??? atm (z = ) |
Burj al Arab is now the tallest building on Earth. |
| Sea Level |
1 atm (Z = 0 ft) |
The average pressure of the atmosphere. |
| Gold Mine |
p = ??? atm (z = - 3,900 m) |
The Deepest Gold Mine, in South Africa, is a shaft 3,900 meters down into the Earth. Working at that depth is difficult because the temperature of Earth and the mine increase one degree every 33 meters. |
| Ocean Bottom |
p = ??? atm (z = -36,201 feet) |
Trieste Batheyscaph |
Pressure on the moon exists but is a special case relative to the other pressures of the table. Pressures of fluids on Earth are meaningfully qualified as being "local" or "ambient." However some persons might call the pressures "actual pressures" or "absolute pressures." The adjectives, "actual" and "absolute" are superfulous and confusing. The pressures of the table are pressures, actual pressures and absolute pressures.