How does altitude affect pressure in the atmosphere?

As altitude increases, the atmosphere contains less air above that elevation, leading to a decrease in air pressure. This phenomenon occurs because the weight of the air above a given point diminishes with height. In simpler terms, as you ascend, there are fewer air molecules exerting downward force, which results in lower atmospheric pressure.

This relationship is significant for understanding various aspects of wildland fire behavior, including how fire intensity and spread can be influenced by different atmospheric conditions at various altitudes. Firefighters and specialists need to be aware of these conditions, as reduced pressure at higher altitudes can lead to changes in fire behavior, such as increased burning rates and altered smoke dispersion patterns.