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What happens to atmospheric pressure with increase in altitude ?
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- It remains constant
- It decreases
- It increases
- It constantly fluctuates
Correct Option: B
In most circumstances atmospheric pressure is closely approximated by the hydrostatic pressure caused by the mass of air above the measurement point. Low-pressure areas have less atmospheric mass above their location, whereas high-pressure areas have more atmospheric mass above their location. Likewise, as elevation increases, there is less overlying atmospheric mass, so that pressure decreases with increasing elevation.