Perceptive Temperature Difference Between 0 ft and 9,000 ft

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SUMMARY

The perceptive temperature difference between 0 ft and 9,000 ft is significantly impacted by reduced air pressure. At sea level (0 ft), a person experiences a temperature difference of 66.6 F in 32 F dry air, while at 9,000 ft, the difference is reduced to 47.5 F due to 28.5% lower air pressure (10.5 psi vs 14.7 psi). This reduction in thermal capacity results in a perceived temperature equivalent to 51 F at sea level. The calculations confirm that the lower air pressure at higher altitudes affects thermal perception considerably.

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aquaflight
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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
 
Science news on Phys.org
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.
 

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