Gravity pulls the atmosphere toward the Earth's surface, creating a balance between gravitational force and atmospheric pressure. At sea level, atmospheric pressure is approximately 1 atmosphere (101.325 kPa), which can be used to estimate the total mass of the atmosphere at about 5.26 x 10^18 kg. The Earth's shape influences how air is distributed; in a spherical Earth, air molecules are compressed by the weight of air above them, leading to higher density at lower altitudes. Air molecules, moving at high speeds, can temporarily rise but lose kinetic energy and slow down as they ascend. This dynamic is further influenced by temperature variations, where warmer air rises and can create downdrafts that contribute to weather phenomena like tornadoes. Overall, the interaction between gravity and atmospheric pressure maintains the atmosphere around the Earth.