Why is there atmosphere at the equator?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the atmospheric differences at the equator compared to the poles, specifically addressing the equatorial bulge of 42 km. It is established that the gravitational force at the equator is slightly less than at the poles, but this difference does not account for the significant atmospheric presence. The centrifugal force resulting from the Earth's rotation contributes to a bulging effect in the atmosphere, which is a direct consequence of the planet's spin. This relationship between the Earth's rotation and atmospheric distribution is not coincidental but rather a clear cause-and-effect scenario.

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  • Understanding of gravitational forces and their effects on atmospheric pressure
  • Knowledge of Earth's rotation and its impact on physical phenomena
  • Familiarity with the concept of centrifugal force
  • Basic comprehension of atmospheric layers, particularly the troposphere
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  • Research the effects of Earth's rotation on atmospheric dynamics
  • Explore the relationship between gravitational force and atmospheric pressure variations
  • Study the structure and height differences of the troposphere at various latitudes
  • Investigate the implications of the equatorial bulge on climate and weather patterns
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Geophysicists, meteorologists, and students of Earth sciences who are interested in understanding the dynamics of Earth's atmosphere and the effects of its rotation on atmospheric behavior.

peanutaxis
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The bulge at the equator, which Wikipedia says is 42km, means that a point on the equator (at sea level) is 21 km further away from the centre of the Earth than the poles. That's two and a half Everests!

I think that the difference in the force of gravity (gravity only) between the equator and poles will not be much, and it is gravity alone that keeps the atmosphere here, so why on Earth is standing at the equator not like standing at the height of nearly 2.5 Everests?!

Am I right in assuming that that very spin which gives the equatorial bulge also ensures that the atmosphere - spinning with the land - is...centrifugally bulged the the equator, too?

If so, it almost feels like a happy coincidence.
 
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Am I right in assuming that that very spin which gives the equatorial bulge also ensures that the atmosphere - spinning with the land - is...centrifugally bulged the the equator, too?
Yes.
If so, it almost feels like a happy coincidence.
It is not a coincidence. It's cause and effect.
Same as why the puddle of water manages to exactly fit the hole it sits in.
 
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Simon Bridge said:
Yes.
It is not a coincidence. It's cause and effect.
Same as why the puddle of water manages to exactly fit the hole it sits in.

Thanks. Yes, I suppose so [puddle].
 
 

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