Marine Meteorology Applications

(Atmospheric Pressure)

Dr. Omar Badokhon

 Atmospheric Pressure

Atmospheric or air Pressure is the force per unit of

area applied on the Earth’s surface by the weight of the
air above the surface.
 Low-pressure systems

A low-pressure system, also called a depression, is an

area where the atmospheric pressure is lower than that
of the area surrounding it.
 Low-pressure systems

In the tropical regions

surface the sun is exerting a
constant heating effect on
the sea, the landmasses and
the air above it.
This warmed air rises, giving
a low barometric pressure
and surrounding air flows to
fill the vacuum.
 Low-pressure systems

Low-pressure system. Air rise upward

at high speed in a confined chimney’
and spreading out at high altitudes
 Low-pressure systems

Lows are usually associated with high winds, warm air,

and atmospheric lifting.
Under these conditions, lows normally produce clouds,
precipitation, and other turbulent weather, such as
tropical storms and cyclones.
 Low-pressure System

on all parts of the earth’s surface,

except on the equator, the rotation
of the earth will impart a turning
effect on surface wind. As a result, all
winds in a low-pressure system will
revolve in a clockwise direction
around the center of the system in
the Southern Hemisphere and anti-
clockwise in the North.
The wind speeds will generally be
greatest off the center of the low
(calm at the center)
 High-pressure System

A high-pressure system, sometimes called an

anticyclone, is an area where the atmospheric pressure
is greater than that of the surrounding area.
 High-pressure System

High-pressure areas are normally caused by a

phenomenon called subsidence, meaning that as the air
in the highs cools, it becomes denser and moves toward
the ground. Pressure increases here because more air
fills the space left from the low.
 High-pressure System

Air is descending slowly and

spreading out at ground or sea level
the descending air, on reaching the
earth’s surface, spreads outwards in
all directions from the center – the
area of highest barometric pressure.
 Air Movement in a High-pressure

Coriolis effect (earth spin) won’t be disregarded and, in

accordance with the invariable rule, will swing those
winds to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, and to
the right in the north.
 High-pressure System

high-pressure systems are usually

associated with clear skies and calm
weather.
Unlike areas of low pressure, the
absence of clouds means that areas
prone to high-pressure experience
extremes daylight and seasonal
temperatures since there are no clouds
to block incoming solar radiation or trap
outgoing longwave radiation at night.
 Barometer

• All weather systems indicate

their intensity and their
probable future movement by
the level and rate of change of
the atmospheric pressure.
• It is the rate of change of
pressure over time that is
important in weather
forecasting. How fast is the
pressure rising or falling?
• When air pressure is low, bad
weather is more likely
 Barometer

• A barometer is a scientific
instrument that is used to
measure air pressure.
• An aneroid barometer is
an instrument used for
measuring pressure as a
method that does not
involve liquid
 Barometer

• Inside an aneroid barometer is a

small capsule has had the air
pumped out of it.
• When the air pressure rises, the
sides of the capsule are
compressed.
• The capsule is attached to levers
which move a needle as the air
pressure squeezes the capsule.
• A dial behind the needle tells
you the air pressure and altitude
or weather forecast.
Barometer
 Barograph
A barograph is a recording aneroid barometer where the
changes in atmospheric pressure are recorded on chart
paper.
 Barograph

A barograph chart is mounted on to the drum which is

normally turned by clockwork.
The ink trace, or barogram, on the recording paper is a
visual record of changes in pressure.
The barogram trend shown can be invaluable in
forecasting weather changes.
Atmospheric Pressure