As you increase altitude in the atmospheric layers, what happens to the air pressure and oxygen levels?

Answer 1

As you increase altitude in the atmosphere, both air pressure and oxygen levels decrease.

1. Air Pressure: Air pressure is the weight of the air above a given point. As you ascend, there is less air above you, leading to lower atmospheric pressure. This decline in pressure follows an exponential decay; the decrease is more significant at lower altitudes and slows down at higher altitudes.

2. Oxygen Levels: The proportion of oxygen in the atmosphere remains relatively constant at about 21% regardless of altitude; however, the overall amount of oxygen available per breath decreases because of the lower air pressure. Consequently, as you go higher, the density of oxygen molecules in the air diminishes, making it harder for the body to acquire sufficient oxygen.

This decrease in oxygen availability can lead to altitude sickness in some individuals if they ascend too quickly to altitudes above 2,500 meters (about 8,200 feet) without proper acclimatization.