How does increased elevation affect atmospheric pressure?

As elevation increases, atmospheric pressure decreases due to the thinning of the air as you move higher up in the atmosphere. At lower elevations, there is a greater column of air above, which exerts more force due to gravity, resulting in higher atmospheric pressure. Conversely, at higher elevations, there is less air above a given point, leading to a reduced weight of air pressing down and consequently lower atmospheric pressure.

This relationship can be observed in various environments, such as mountainous regions where people often experience reduced air pressure, making it more challenging to breathe due to lower oxygen levels. Understanding this concept is crucial in fields such as physiology, medicine, and environmental science, where the effects of altitude on human health and weather patterns are significant.