Atmospheric pressure, or Barometric pressure, is the force of the air in the earth’s atmosphere. When there is more pressure, the air pushes harder against objects in the atmosphere, including rocks, plants and humans.

We do not feel this pressure around us because there is an equal amount of air pushing outward from inside our bodies. But, when we are in places with a higher altitude, like an airplane or on the top of a high mountain, the atmospheric pressure lessens. Our ears pop to balance out the pressure.

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Text: Shawna Irish; Image: Jenny M Buccos