Barometricos

Barometricos refers to instruments used to measure atmospheric pressure, commonly known as barometers. These devices are essential in meteorology for weather forecasting and in aviation for altitude determination. The principle behind most barometers involves balancing the weight of the atmosphere against a column of liquid or a mechanical spring.

The most classic type is the mercury barometer, invented by Evangelista Torricelli in the 17th century. It consists of a glass tube filled with mercury, inverted into a dish also containing mercury. The atmospheric pressure pushes down on the mercury in the dish, supporting a column of mercury in the tube. The height of this column directly corresponds to the atmospheric pressure. Another common type is the aneroid barometer, which uses a small, flexible, sealed metal box called an aneroid cell. As atmospheric pressure changes, the cell expands or contracts, and this movement is mechanically amplified and displayed on a dial.

Barometric pressure readings are typically reported in units like hectopascals (hPa), millibars (mb), or inches of mercury (inHg). Significant drops in barometric pressure often indicate approaching storms or unsettled weather, while rising pressure typically suggests fair and stable conditions.