As altitude increases, which of the following statements is true regarding pressure?

As altitude increases, the pressure in the atmosphere decreases continually. This is a fundamental principle of meteorology and atmospheric science. The atmosphere is composed of air molecules that are pulled toward the Earth by gravity. As you move upward in altitude, there are fewer air molecules above you, resulting in lower air pressure.

This decrease in pressure with altitude is approximately exponential, meaning that the rate of decrease is rapid near the Earth's surface but slows down with increasing altitude. At sea level, the average air pressure is about 1013.25 hPa (hectopascals), but this value decreases as one ascends, reflecting the diminishing weight of the air overhead.

This principle is essential for understanding various weather phenomena, aircraft performance, and how humans and other organisms are affected in high-altitude environments.