Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 09/07/2012 - 04:25

Hello, my name is Kylie from Macon Early College. My question is what is an average pressure and a high pressure for the ocean?

Lisa Seff

Hi Kylie!
So "norma"l sea level pressure is approximately 1013.2 millibars (force per square meter of surface area). The normal range of air pressure around the Earth is from 980 mb to 1050 mb. High pressure specifically over the Arctic polar region tends to include extremely cold, dry air.
Unfortunately we've had an unusual amount of low pressure, which means lousy weather. Consequently we haven't been able to get out and collect samples as much as we'd have liked to.
Great question and thanks for following our expedition!
take care and safe seas!
Lisa