A barometer measures the pressure of the atmosphere at different altitudes. Identify the location where the column of mercury is lowest in the barometer.

Question

The image depicts a cross-section of a landmass meeting the sea, illustrating different elevations relative to sea level. Sea level is the average height of the ocean's surface, used as a reference point for measuring elevations on land.
1: Area below sea level.
2: Low-lying coastal area.
3: Mid-level elevation.
4: Mountain peak.
Sea level is measured using tide stations and satellite laser altimeters. It's crucial for understanding climate change and its impact on coastal regions
Group of answer choices
2
4
3
1

Answer 1

In a barometer, the height of the mercury column corresponds to atmospheric pressure, which decreases with altitude.

Given the locations relative to sea level:

1. Area below sea level
2. Low-lying coastal area
3. Mid-level elevation
4. Mountain peak

The area where the column of mercury is lowest in the barometer would be where the atmospheric pressure is lowest, which happens at higher elevations. Thus, the mountain peak (4) would have the lowest mercury column due to the lower atmospheric pressure at that altitude.

The correct answer is 4 (Mountain peak).