Earth System Sciences
Meteorology
Classical
IntermediateHydrostatic Equation
Pressure decreases with height in a fluid at rest—balance of pressure and gravity.
By Various
Earth System Sciences
Hydrostatic Equation
Classical · Various
Why it matters: Enables weather prediction, diving medicine, and barometric altitude.
Discoverers: Various (Classical)
What does it mean?
Pressure decreases with height in a fluid at rest—balance of pressure and gravity.
Why should I care?
Enables weather prediction, diving medicine, and barometric altitude.
Variables & Units
| Symbol | Name | Unit | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Pa | Atmospheric pressure | |
| Density | kg/m³ | Air density | |
| Gravity | — | 9.81 m/s² | |
| Height | m | Altitude |
Worked Example
Pressure drops ~12 kPa per km in lower atmosphere.
AI Guide (Pro)
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Sources & further reading
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Hydrostatic Equation
Real-world impact
Engineering & climate
Fluid models power transport and forecasting.
Photo: Unsplash — aircraft
Pressure decreases with height in a fluid at rest—balance of pressure and gravity.
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