Normal atmospheric pressure at 1. The concept of atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure in millimeters of mercury

Man is part of nature. It constantly influences each of us. The more time passes, the more weather-sensitive people appear. Today there are approximately 4 billion such people living on the planet. The factor that most strongly influences a person’s health and well-being is atmospheric pressure, or rather its norm. What atmospheric pressure is considered normal depends on the geographic location of the area where a person spends most of the time.

What is atmospheric pressure?

The Earth is habitable due to a number of factors. The first of these is the availability of breathing air. Our planet, like a dome, is covered with an atmosphere consisting of many layers, each of which performs a specific important function. The air mass exerts constant pressure on everything that is on Earth, including humans, so it is so important to know what its norm is. Every day, each of us withstands a load of approximately 15,000 kg. We do not feel this burden due to the unique structure of our body. But he cannot always cope with natural phenomena. Sometimes an imbalance occurs in the organ system of the human body, and then a person becomes dependent on changes in atmospheric pressure.

Atmospheric pressure, which is the norm for a person living in central Russia, is 750-760 mmHg. This is the indicator at which most people do not feel any discomfort in their health.

Any deviation of a person’s atmospheric pressure from the norm by 5-10 units or higher will be painfully accepted by our body.

Atmospheric pressure measurement

To measure the normal atmospheric pressure for a person, a specially designed device is used - a barometer. Science has established that the force of atmospheric pressure per 1 sq.cm. surface of the Earth, corresponds to the height of the mercury column of 760 mm. This indicator was taken as the norm of atmospheric pressure for humans. If the barometer reading is above this mark, it is customary to talk about increased pressure from normal. If the atmospheric pressure is below normal for a person, then it is considered low. Barometer readings in different parts of the planet differ due to differences in relief, temperature, etc.

The normal atmospheric pressure for a person is measured in mm of mercury (mmHg). Other units may be used, such as pascals (Pa). An indicator of 760 mmHg will be equal in this case to 101325 Pa. However, in everyday life, measuring normal atmospheric pressure for humans in pascals has not taken root. Any weather forecast informs us about the state of atmospheric pressure using mmHg.

What is weather sensitivity?

Many people have so-called weather sensitivity. This is a peculiar reaction of the body to a change in the normal atmospheric pressure for a person. It can be expressed, depending on the presence of various health problems, in the appearance of irritability, pain in various parts of the body, a general decrease in performance, and insomnia. A change in normal atmospheric pressure for a person can manifest itself in mental disorders, for example, a state of anxiety, depression, unreasonable fear.

According to statistics, during sudden changes in weather, even the number of crimes and accidents in transport, as well as man-made disasters, increases several times.

The human body is a kind of chemical laboratory that works normally at the appropriate standard of atmospheric pressure for a person. As soon as these conditions change in any direction, the body reacts with painful manifestations. He lacks something, for example, oxygen. Or vice versa, there is something in excess.

The causes of weather sensitivity are not only health problems, but also poor lifestyle choices. Sedentary activity, poor nutrition with subsequent acquisition of excess weight, and stress play a big role.

The influence of human atmospheric pressure

In the vessels and cavities of the human body there are specific receptors that are very sensitive to any changes in atmospheric pressure standards for humans. For example, people with musculoskeletal disorders always “predict” weather changes by aching joints. Hypertensive patients due to headaches in the temples, etc.

The well-being of heart patients also worsens with changes in normal atmospheric pressure for humans. They feel pain in the heart and head, rapid heartbeat and other unpleasant symptoms.

High atmospheric pressure forces the human body to equalize the imbalance that has arisen. How does this happen? By reducing blood pressure. At the same time, the vessels relax, the speed of blood flow changes. Malaise, headaches, and stuffy ears occur. With increased atmospheric pressure, changes occur in the chemical composition of the blood, in particular, the level of leukocytes, the main fighters against infections and viruses, decreases.

Low atmospheric pressure creates conditions for the body similar to climbing a mountain. Under such conditions, there is a deficiency of oxygen, and, consequently, the brain and other organs suffer from hypoxia. The person feels difficulty breathing, pain in the temporal region, and pressure in the head.

Scientists have discovered the dependence of atmospheric pressure on air temperature. With warming, atmospheric pressure decreases. This is unfavorable for hypotensive patients and asthmatics.

With the onset of cold weather and the establishment of clear weather, the norm becomes high. Hypertension sufferers, allergy sufferers, and kidney sufferers.

The most dangerous thing is a sharp increase in atmospheric pressure (by 1 mmHg in 2-3 hours). The patient sharply feels negative symptoms and feels very bad. It is imperative to monitor your blood pressure and immediately take the medications prescribed by your doctor.

A person cannot influence the weather, but he can help himself survive difficult periods.

The first thing you should do as much as possible is to reduce physical activity.

Secondly, consult with your doctor about prescribing normal medications for those who are particularly hard-pressed by weather changes.

The optimal combination of weather indicators for a person is as follows:

• Atmospheric pressure is normal - 760 mmHg.
• Air temperature is the norm 18-20 ͦ C.
• Humidity is normal 50-55%.

At different points on the Earth, the pressure rate may be different. Recorded fluctuations at sea level are 641-816 mmHg. The average value is exactly 760 mmHg at 20 degrees Celsius. This does not mean that for every person this reading should be equal to the norm. If a person was born and raised in the mountains, the normal numbers for him will naturally be different. Climbing into the mountains will reduce the altitude by about 13% for every kilometer.

The average atmospheric pressure for St. Petersburg, located in northwestern Russia, is only 748 mmHg.

It is time that can greatly influence a patient’s barometric pressure. At night it is higher than during the day. That is why most attacks in heart patients occur at night.

Since 1982, a standard pressure of 100 kPa has been adopted.

Naturally, it is impossible to choose ideal conditions for yourself. How many people, so many problems. Everyone is concerned about certain disturbances, so it is important to prepare yourself and your body for weather changes and take care of your health.

All bodies in the Universe tend to attract each other. Large and massive ones have a higher force of attraction compared to small ones. This law is also inherent in our planet.


The Earth attracts to itself any objects that are on it, including the gas shell surrounding it -. Although air is much lighter than the planet, it has a lot of weight and presses on everything that is on the earth's surface. This creates atmospheric pressure.

What is atmospheric pressure?

Atmospheric pressure refers to the hydrostatic pressure of the gas shell on the Earth and objects located on it. At different altitudes and in different parts of the globe it has different indicators, but at sea level the standard is considered to be 760 mm of mercury.

This means that a column of air weighing 1.033 kg exerts pressure on a square centimeter of any surface. Accordingly, there is a pressure of more than 10 tons per square meter.

People learned about the existence of atmospheric pressure only in the 17th century. In 1638, the Tuscan Duke decided to decorate his gardens in Florence with beautiful fountains, but unexpectedly discovered that the water in the constructed structures did not rise above 10.3 meters.

Deciding to find out the reason for this phenomenon, he turned for help to the Italian mathematician Torricelli, who, through experiments and analysis, determined that air has weight.

How is atmospheric pressure measured?

Atmospheric pressure is one of the most important parameters of the gas shell of the Earth. Since it varies in different places, a special device is used to measure it - a barometer. An ordinary household appliance is a metal box with a corrugated base, in which there is no air at all.

When the pressure increases, this box contracts, and when the pressure decreases, on the contrary, it expands. Along with the movement of the barometer, a spring attached to it moves, which affects the needle on the scale.

Liquid barometers are used at weather stations. In them, pressure is measured by the height of a mercury column enclosed in a glass tube.

Why does atmospheric pressure change?

Since atmospheric pressure is created by overlying layers of gas, it changes as altitude increases. It can be influenced by both air density and the height of the air column itself. In addition, pressure varies depending on the location on our planet, since different areas of the Earth are located at different altitudes above sea level.


From time to time, slowly moving areas of high or low pressure are created above the earth's surface. In the first case they are called anticyclones, in the second - cyclones. On average, pressure readings at sea level range from 641 to 816 mmHg, although internal pressures can drop to 560 mmHg.

How does atmospheric pressure affect the weather?

The distribution of atmospheric pressure across the Earth is uneven, which is associated, first of all, with the movement of air and its ability to create so-called baric vortices.

In the northern hemisphere, clockwise air rotation leads to the formation of downward air currents (anticyclones), which bring clear or partly cloudy weather with a complete absence of rain and wind to a particular area.

If the air rotates counterclockwise, then rising vortices are formed above the ground, characteristic of cyclones, with heavy precipitation, heavy winds, and thunderstorms. In the southern hemisphere, cyclones move clockwise, anticyclones move counterclockwise.

What effect does atmospheric pressure have on humans?

Each person is pressed by an air column weighing from 15 to 18 tons. In other situations, such a weight could crush all living things, but the pressure inside our body is equal to atmospheric pressure, so at normal levels of 760 mm Hg we do not experience any discomfort.

If the atmospheric pressure is higher or lower than normal, some people (especially the elderly or sick) feel unwell, have headaches, and note an exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Most often, a person experiences unpleasant sensations at high altitudes (for example, in the mountains), since in such areas the air pressure is lower than at sea level.

If you have chronic headaches, chest pain, a systematic increase in blood pressure, a general deterioration in health due to changes in atmospheric pressure, we recommend that you read our article, take care of your health!

In each region of Russia, different atmospheric pressure is considered normal. Therefore, in weather reports, when the number of millimeters of mercury is announced, weather forecasters always say what pressure it is for this area, above or below normal.

In addition to atmospheric pressure, many factors influence our well-being. What to do if you have breathing problems? Take care of your health, this is the only thing that no amount of money can buy!

You can find out how air density depends on temperature, it’s very interesting!

Moscow is a city located on the Central Russian Upland. As we already know, atmospheric pressure depends specifically on the relief and altitude. If people are above sea level, the atmospheric column exerts less pressure.

Therefore, normal atmospheric pressure in Moscow on the banks of the Moscow River will be guaranteed to be higher than at the source of the Moscow River in the Moscow region. On the shore we fix a point 168 meters above sea level. And on a hill near the source of the Moscow River - 310. By the way, the highest point in the city itself is in the Teply Stan area - it’s 255 meters.

Meteorologists give a specific figure normal atmospheric pressure for Moscow is 747-748 mm Hg. pillar This, of course, is like the average temperature in the hospital. People who permanently live in Moscow feel normal in the range 745-755 mm rt. pillar The main thing is that the pressure drops are not serious.

Doctors believe that, for example, working on the upper floors is dangerous for residents of the metropolis. If the building's airtightness and ventilation system is compromised in a high-rise building, then workers in such offices may experience constant headaches and problems with performance. It's all about pressure that is abnormal for them.

For St. Petersburg residents the situation is different. Due to the fact that St. Petersburg is lower above sea level than Moscow, higher pressure is the norm. Average, normal atmospheric pressure for St. Petersburg is 753-755 mm Hg. pillar However, in some sources you can see another figure - 760 mm Hg. pillar However, it is only valid for low-lying areas of St. Petersburg.

Due to its location, the Leningrad region has unstable climatic indicators, and atmospheric pressure can fluctuate significantly. For example, it is not uncommon for it to rise to 780 mm Hg during an anticyclone. pillar And in 1907, a record atmospheric pressure was recorded - 798 mm Hg. pillar This is 30 mm more than normal.

Do you need a Chizhevsky lamp for your home? You will find the answer to this question at the following address. Let's take care of our health!

We are used to measuring atmospheric pressure in millimeters of mercury. However, the international system defines pressure in pascals. So, standard atmospheric pressure, according to IUPAC requirements, is 100 kPa.

Let's convert our measurement of mercury barometers into pascals. So, 760 mmHg column is 1013.25 mb. According to the SI system, 1013.25 mb is equal to 101.3 kPa.

But still, measuring pressure in Russia in pascals is rare. Same as standard 760 mmHg. pillar An ordinary resident of Russia just needs to remember what pressure is normal for his region.

Let's summarize.

1. Normal atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg. pillar However, it is rarely found anywhere. A person is quite comfortable living in the range from 750 to 765 mmHg. pillar
2. In each region of the country, different pressures are considered normal for that region. If a person lives in a low pressure area, he gets used to it and adapts to it.
3. Normal atmospheric pressure for Moscow is 747-748 mm Hg. pillar, for St. Petersburg - 753-755 mm.
4. The normal pressure value in pascals will be 101.3 kPa.

If you want to measure the atmospheric pressure in your region and find out how much it corresponds to the norm, we recommend using the most modern device - an electronic barometer. If you are weather dependent and suffer from sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, it is recommended to use a tonometer to check the quality of your own health.

A short video about atmospheric pressure

About a third of our planet's population reacts sensitively to environmental changes. Most of all, a person’s well-being is influenced by atmospheric pressure - the attraction of air masses to the Earth. What atmospheric pressure is considered normal for a person depends on the area in which he spends the vast majority of the time. Everyone will find their familiar conditions comfortable.

What is atmospheric pressure

The planet is surrounded by an air mass, which, under the influence of gravity, presses on any object, including the human body. The force is called atmospheric pressure. Each square meter is pressed by a column of air weighing approximately 100,000 kg. Atmospheric pressure is measured using a special device - a barometer. It is measured in pascals, millimeters of mercury, millibars, hectopascals, atmospheres.

The normal atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg. Art., or 101 325 Pa. The discovery of the phenomenon belongs to the famous physicist Blaise Pascal. The scientist formulated a law: at the same distance from the center of the earth (it doesn’t matter, in the air, at the bottom of a reservoir), the absolute pressure will be the same. He was the first to propose measuring heights using the barometric alignment method.

Atmospheric pressure standards by region

It is impossible to find out what atmospheric pressure is considered normal for a healthy person - there is no definite answer. The impact varies across different regions of the globe. Within a relatively small area, this value can vary noticeably. For example, in Central Asia, slightly elevated numbers are considered standard (on average 715-730 mm Hg). For central Russia, normal atmospheric pressure is 730-770 mm Hg. Art.

Indicators are related to the elevation of the surface above sea level, wind direction, humidity and ambient temperature. Warm air weighs less than cold air. Over an area of ​​high temperature or humidity, the compression of the atmosphere is always less. People living in high mountain areas are not sensitive to such barometer readings. Their body was formed under these conditions, and all organs underwent appropriate adaptation.

How pressure affects people

The ideal value is 760 mmHg. Art. What awaits when the mercury column fluctuates:

1. A change in optimal indicators (up to 10 mm/h) already leads to a deterioration in well-being.
2. With a sharp increase or decrease (on average by 1 mm/h), even healthy people experience a significant deterioration in well-being. Headache, nausea, and loss of performance appear.

Meteor dependence

A person’s sensitivity to weather conditions – wind changes, geomagnetic storms – is called weather dependence. The influence of atmospheric pressure has not yet been fully studied. It is known that when weather conditions change, internal tension is created inside the vessels and cavities of the body. Meteorological dependence can be expressed:

• irritability;
• pain of various localization;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• general deterioration of health;
• problems with blood vessels.

In most cases, people with the following diseases suffer from weather dependence:

• respiratory tract diseases;
• hypo- and hypertension.

Reaction to high blood pressure

A decrease in barometer readings by at least 10 units (770 mm Hg and below) has a negative impact on health. People with long-standing diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems are especially affected by weather changes. On such days, doctors recommend reducing physical activity, spending less time on the street, and not abusing heavy foods and alcohol. Among the main reactions:

• feeling of congestion in the ear canals;
• decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood;
• decreased activity of intestinal motility;
• dysfunction of the cardiovascular system;
• poor ability to concentrate.

Reaction to low atmospheric pressure

A decrease in atmospheric compression to 740 mm or less causes opposite shifts in the body. The basis of all unfavorable changes is oxygen starvation. A rarefied air is created, a low percentage of oxygen molecules: it becomes harder to breathe. They arise.

Sometimes a person’s well-being greatly depends on what pressure is in the atmosphere at the moment, because the atmosphere of our planet puts pressure on everything that is inside it. Atmospheric pressure affects human health and well-being, so scientists from various specialties identify these changes and monitor atmospheric pressure, which is subject to constant fluctuations. In our material we will tell you what normal atmospheric pressure is for a person in mm of mercury and pascals.

What does atmospheric pressure depend on?

First, let's look at what atmospheric pressure is. This is the force of pressure of an air column on a certain unit of surface area.

The ideal conditions for measuring atmospheric pressure are a latitude of 45 degrees and an air temperature of 0°C. The measurement must also be taken at sea level.

But it is worth noting that due to changes in the altitude of the area above sea level, the atmospheric pressure will also change. But at the same time, it will also be considered the norm, so normal atmospheric pressure is different for each area.

Atmospheric pressure also depends on the time of day: at night the atmospheric pressure is always higher because the air temperature is lower. But a person does not notice this, since the difference is 1-2 mm Hg. In addition, in areas that are close to the poles of the earth, fluctuations in atmospheric pressure become more noticeable. But at the equator there are no fluctuations.

What is normal atmospheric pressure for a person?

It is generally accepted that normal atmospheric pressure in mmHg is 760 mmHg. That is, on 1 square centimeter of area, a column of air presses with the same force as a column of mercury 760 mm high. This is the normal atmospheric pressure of the Earth, which does not have a negative effect on the human body.

A person does not feel normal atmospheric pressure due to dissolved air gases in tissue fluids, which balance everything. But at the same time, it still exerts a pressure on us equal to 1.033 kg per 1 square centimeter of the body.

But each person must individually understand what atmospheric pressure is considered normal for health, since this largely depends on the person’s adaptation. For example, many people can calmly climb to the top of a mountain without feeling a change in atmospheric pressure, while others faint from rapid changes in atmospheric pressure.

Only a sharp fluctuation in blood pressure can significantly affect a person’s well-being if the atmospheric pressure rises or falls faster than 1 mm Hg. column in 3 hours.

Note also that millimeters of mercury are not a standard unit of change in blood pressure. In the world it is customary to find out the norm of atmospheric pressure in pascals. 100 kPa is normal atmospheric pressure for humans in pascals. A 760 mm Hg. column is 101.3 kPa.

Normal atmospheric pressure for Moscow

The capital of the Russian Federation is located on the Central Russian Upland. There is always low pressure in Moscow, because the city is located above sea level (the maximum point above sea level is 255 meters in Teply Stan, and the average is 130-150 meters above the sea surface).

The normal atmospheric pressure in Moscow is 746-749 mmHg. It is very difficult to give an exact result, since the capital of Russia has uneven terrain. Also, the normal atmospheric pressure for a person in Moscow is affected by the time of year. The norm of atmospheric pressure always increases slightly in spring and summer, and decreases in winter and autumn. If you permanently live in Moscow, then you will feel comfortable with blood pressure in Moscow from 745 to 755 mm Hg. pillar

Normal blood pressure in St. Petersburg

The height of the Northern capital above sea level is less than the height of Moscow. That's why Therefore, the blood pressure norm here is slightly higher. Normal atmospheric pressure in St. Petersburg ranges from 753 to 755 mmHg.

The lowest-lying areas of St. Petersburg are characterized by a “classical” blood pressure norm. The maximum pressure in St. Petersburg can approach 780 mmHg - such an increase can be caused by a powerful anticyclone.

Standard atmospheric pressure by region

It is known that each specific area corresponds to certain normal indicators of atmospheric pressure. The indicator changes according to the height of the object above sea level. Changes in indicators occur due to the movement of air masses between areas with different pressures. Atmospheric pressure changes due to uneven heating of the air above the surface of our planet. A number of factors influence:

• Landscape features
• Planet rotation
• Difference in heat capacity of water and the earth's surface
• Differences in reflectivity between water and land

As a result, cyclones and anticyclones form, shaping the weather conditions of the area. A cyclone implies fast-moving vortices with a low blood pressure level. A summer cyclone means rainy and cool weather, while winter means warmer weather and snow. Anticyclones are characterized by high atmospheric pressure; in summer they bring dry and hot weather, in winter - frosty and clear.

Atmospheric pressure is lowest at the equator and lowest at the North and South Poles. The amount of atmospheric pressure varies depending on the time of day - the highest at 9-10 and 21-22 hours.

Even within a small area, atmospheric pressure measurements can vary. For example, for Central Asia, normal blood pressure is 715-730 mmHg. And for Central Russia, blood pressure fluctuations are at the level of 730-770 millimeters of mercury. In Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, the atmospheric pressure can drop to 580 mmHg, since the city is located over 2000 meters above sea level. And the atmospheric pressure in China is even lower: for example, in the Tibetan city of Lhasa, the average annual blood pressure is approximately 487 mmHg. pillar The city is located 3500 meters above sea level.

Normal atmospheric pressure for regions of Russia in mm of mercury

In the winter months, an increased level of atmospheric pressure is observed over most of the territory of the Russian Federation. The highest blood pressure during this period is observed over the Mongolian Altai and Yakutia - about 772 mmHg. The lowest pressure in the areas above the Barents, Berengov and Okhotsk seas is 753 mmHg. For Vladivostok, normal blood pressure is 761 mmHg

As we have already said, within one region, atmospheric pressure can vary significantly. Even the indicators for Moscow and the Moscow region may differ, since they have slightly different altitudes above sea level. Therefore, we provide data on normal atmospheric pressure for Russian cities. But you should remember: even within the same city, the data may vary slightly, depending on the elevation of the area.

Video

How to measure atmospheric pressure

The atmospheric pressure in a specific area is measured either using special instruments: a mercury barometer, aneroid barometer, liquid and electronic barograph, or using a special formula if the altitude of the area and the pressure at sea level are known.

The formula for determining pressure is as follows: P=P0 * e^(-Mgh/RT)

• PO - pressure at sea level in Pascals
• M - molar mass of air -0.029 kg/mol
• g - Earth's acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.81 m/s²
• R - universal gas constant - 8.31 J/mol K
• T - air temperature in Kelvin. Measured by the formula: t Celsius + 273
• h - height above sea level in meters

A mercury barometer is a glass tube approximately 80 cm long containing mercury inside. This tube is sealed on one side and open on the other, the open end is immersed in a bowl of mercury. The height of the liquid column, starting from the level of the cup, will indicate the atmospheric pressure at the moment. It is not safe to use such devices, so they are used mainly in laboratory conditions, at meteorological stations and at industrial facilities, where the accuracy of measurements is very important. Electronic barometers are often used in everyday life; digital weather stations can be used even on camping trips and at home, and they are inexpensive.