Question

If the atmospheric pressure at Mangamaunu Beach is 1000 millibars and we assume the general guideline that atmospheric pressure decreases by approximately 50% for every 5-kilometer increase in altitude, what will the atmospheric pressure be at the summit of Manakau?

Answer 1

Atmospheric Pressure = 739.2 millibars

Explanation:

To answer this question one should assume that Mangamaunu Beach is at sea level ( altitude = 0 m) and that the summit of Manakau is at 2608 meters.

The change in atmospheric pressure with altitude in the first 5 km can be roughly represented by a linear relationship with slope "m" as follows

`(500-1000) = m(5000 - 0)\\m = -0.10`

Giving the following equation:

`(Pressure - 1000) = -0.10Height`

Applying for Height = 2608 m

`Pressure = -0.10(2608) + 1000\\Pressure = 739.2 millibars`