õhurõhus

õhurõhk refers to atmospheric pressure, which is the force exerted by the weight of the air in the Earth's atmosphere above a given point. This pressure is a fundamental atmospheric variable and is measured in units such as pascals (Pa), hectopascals (hPa), millibars (mbar), or inches of mercury (inHg).

Atmospheric pressure is not uniform across the globe or even at a single location over time. It varies due to several factors, including temperature, altitude, and the amount of moisture in the air. Warmer air is less dense and exerts lower pressure, while colder air is denser and exerts higher pressure. As altitude increases, the column of air above decreases, leading to lower atmospheric pressure. Moist air is generally less dense than dry air at the same temperature and pressure, so it tends to be associated with lower pressure.

These pressure variations are critical in meteorology. Areas of high atmospheric pressure, known as anticyclones, are generally associated with clear skies and calm weather. Conversely, areas of low atmospheric pressure, or cyclones, are often linked to cloudy skies, precipitation, and strong winds as air rushes towards the low-pressure center. The horizontal differences in atmospheric pressure drive winds, as air naturally flows from regions of high pressure to regions of low pressure. Understanding and monitoring õhurõhk is therefore essential for weather forecasting and studying atmospheric circulation patterns.