Perceptive Temperature Difference Between 0 ft and 9,000 ft

In summary, at 9,000 ft, where there is 28.5% less air pressure compared to sea level, a person standing in 32 F dry air would experience a temperature difference of 47.5 F due to the reduced thermal capacity of the air. This means that the person would feel as if they were standing in 51 F dry air at sea level. However, for heating a building, the difference in air pressure would have a greater impact.
  • #1
aquaflight
1
0
Question:
If the temperature at both 9,000 ft and 0 ft (sea level) is 32 F, how much warmer would it feel at 9,000 ft due to the reduced thermal capacity of the air caused by lower air pressures?

Available Facts:
Air has 28.5% less pressure at 9,000 ft compared with sea level (0 ft). 10.5 psi vs 14.7 psi respectively.

More Details:
At sea level, a person who has a core temperature of 98.6 F who is standing in 32 F dry air would experience a relative temperature difference of 66.6 F. If this same person stood in 32 F dry air at 9,000 ft would he or she only experience a temperature difference of 47.5 F because of the reduced thermal capacity of the air?

Calculations:
0 ft = 98.6 F - 32 F = 66.6 F temperature difference
9,000ft = 66.6 F temperature difference * 71.45% air pressure difference = 47.5 F perceptive temperature difference

Conclusion:
If the above calculations are correct, would a person standing in 32 F dry air at 9,000 ft feel as if he or she is standing in 51 F dry air at sea level (98.6 F - 47.5 F) due to the reduced thermal capacity of the air?

Thank you very much,
Aquaflight
 
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  • #2
Well, if you're heating a building it definitely matters a lot, by the proportion you derived. For yourself, it would matter a little less because radiation and evaporation both play a pretty significant role in your heat loss.
 

1. What causes the difference in temperature between 0 ft and 9,000 ft?

The main factor that causes a difference in temperature between 0 ft and 9,000 ft is the change in altitude. As altitude increases, the air pressure decreases, causing the air molecules to spread out and become less dense. This decrease in density leads to a decrease in temperature.

2. Is the temperature difference consistent at all altitudes?

No, the temperature difference between 0 ft and 9,000 ft is not consistent at all altitudes. The change in temperature varies depending on factors such as location, time of day, and weather conditions. Additionally, other factors such as humidity and wind can also affect the temperature difference.

3. How much of a temperature difference can be expected between 0 ft and 9,000 ft?

The average temperature difference between 0 ft and 9,000 ft is approximately 3.5°F per 1,000 ft of elevation gain. This means that at 9,000 ft, the temperature can be expected to be around 31.5°F lower than at sea level.

4. Does the temperature difference affect all areas equally?

No, the temperature difference between 0 ft and 9,000 ft can vary between different regions and climates. For example, mountainous areas tend to have a larger temperature difference compared to coastal regions. Additionally, areas near the equator may experience a smaller temperature difference compared to areas near the poles.

5. How does the temperature difference between 0 ft and 9,000 ft impact living organisms?

The temperature difference between 0 ft and 9,000 ft can have significant impacts on living organisms. Some organisms, such as plants and animals, have adapted to thrive in specific temperature ranges and may struggle to survive in areas with large temperature differences. Additionally, the temperature difference can also affect the growth and development of crops and impact human activities such as farming and outdoor recreation.

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