Have you ever asked yourself how far above the Earth’s surface you are while flying in a plane or skydiving? Altitude is the distance above sea level, and it is used to measure the height of objects above the ground. Altitude is essential in many fields, including aviation, weather forecasting, and mountaineering. However, it is not always straightforward to calculate the altitude of your location. In this article, we will explore the mysteries behind altitude measurement and reveal how it is calculated.
What is Altitude?
Altitude is the distance above the Earth’s sea level. It is often confused with elevation, which is the height of an object above the ground. Altitude is usually measured in feet or meters, and it is an important parameter in numerous fields. It is critical for pilots to know the altitude of their aircraft for safe and efficient flight. Similarly, hikers need to know the altitude of the mountain to plan their hike and prepare for the potential altitude sickness.
Why is Altitude Important?
Altitude is vital for several reasons. In aviation, knowing the altitude is crucial for navigation, collision avoidance, and communication. For example, pilots need to climb to a specific altitude to avoid a mountain range or descend to a certain level to land safely. In weather forecasting, altitude plays a significant role in predicting weather patterns. The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure and temperature, and the thinner the air. As a result, weather balloons and satellites are used to measure temperature, wind direction, and humidity at different altitudes.
How is Altitude Measured?
There are several ways to measure altitude, depending on the context and precision required. Some of the common methods include GPS, barometric altimeters, and radar.
GPS Altitude
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that relies on triangulation to determine the altitude of an object. GPS calculates the distance between a receiver and four or more satellites to determine the object’s position in 3D space. GPS altitude is accurate to within a few meters and is commonly used in aviation and outdoor activities.
Barometric Altimeters
Barometric altimeters measure the atmospheric pressure to determine the altitude of an object. As the altitude increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases. A barometric altimeter uses a small aneroid capsule containing a partial vacuum that contracts or expands with changes in air pressure. The capsule’s movement is then converted into altitude readings using calibrated gears or electronic circuits. Barometric altimeters are widely used in aviation but can also be found in wristwatches and smartphones.
Radar Altitude
Radar altitude measures the object’s distance from the ground using radar waves. A radar altimeter emits high-frequency radio waves that are reflected off the ground and received by the sensor. The time it takes for the signal to travel to the ground and return is then used to calculate the altitude. Radar altimeters are mainly used in commercial and military aircraft for safe landing and takeoff.
Factors Affecting Altitude
Several factors can affect the altitude of an object, including air pressure, temperature, and geography. Here are some of the critical factors you should know:
Air Pressure
Air pressure decreases with increasing altitude. The air pressure at sea level is around 1013 millibars (mb), while at 10,000 feet, it drops to about 700 mb. This means that the air is less dense at higher altitudes, and it requires more distance to produce the same amount of lift as it would at sea level.
Temperature
Temperature also affects altitude. As the altitude increases, the temperature decreases, a phenomenon known as the lapse rate. The temperature drops by approximately 3.5°F for every thousand feet of altitude. This means that the air is thinner and cooler, and the pressure drops rapidly.
Geography
The altitude can vary depending on the geography of the terrain. Mountainous regions have higher altitudes than flat areas, and the altitude of the surrounding terrain can affect the local weather patterns.
Altitude and Health
Altitude can have a significant impact on a person’s health. At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure drops, which means the air is less dense and contains less oxygen. This can lead to altitude sickness, a condition caused by a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. Altitude sickness can manifest as headache, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to pulmonary or cerebral edema, which can be fatal. To prevent altitude sickness, it is essential to acclimatize slowly and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Altitude Sickness Treatment
The best treatment for altitude sickness is descent to lower altitudes. If descent is not possible, oxygen therapy can be used to alleviate the symptoms. Medications such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone can also help mitigate the effects of altitude sickness.
Conclusion
Altitude is a crucial parameter for numerous fields, including aviation, outdoor activities, and weather forecasting. There are several ways to measure altitude, including GPS, barometric altimeters, and radar. Air pressure, temperature, and geography all affect the altitude of an object. Altitude sickness is a condition caused by a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream and can manifest as headache, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. Understanding altitude and its effects on the human body can help individuals prevent and treat altitude sickness.
FAQs About Altitude
- What’s the highest altitude humans can survive?
- Is there a limit to how high planes can fly?
- Why do we need to acclimatize to high altitudes?
- Can altitude affect electronic devices?
The highest altitude a person can survive without supplemental oxygen is around 26,000 feet, although this varies depending on age, health, and acclimatization.
Planes can fly at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet, although most commercial aircraft fly between 30,000 and 40,000 feet.
Acclimatization allows the body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels and increased exertion associated with high altitudes. It helps prevent altitude sickness and improve physical performance.
Low air pressure at high altitudes can affect electronic devices, such as laptops and smartphones. However, most modern devices are designed to withstand altitude changes.
References
- Greenwood, J. (2006). Airline pilots’ use of barometric altimeters: a review. Ergonomics, 49(5-6), 449-460.
- Curran-Everett, D., & Coates, G. (2014). Altitude and human physiology. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press.
- Chawla, S., Sreedhar, M., & Kumar, R. (2014). Comparative evaluation of the three different devices for measurement of altitude-mercury barometer, aneroid barometer and GPS at a hill station. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(3), 81-83.