## How Does Air Pressure Affect Skydiving?
Air pressure is a measure of the force exerted by the weight of air above a given point. It is typically measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or millibars (mb). At sea level, the air pressure is approximately 14.7 psi or 1013 mb.
As you increase in altitude, the air pressure decreases. This is because there is less air above you to exert a force. The air pressure at 10,000 feet is approximately 10.1 psi or 760 mb. At 20,000 feet, the air pressure is approximately 5.6 psi or 400 mb.
The decrease in air pressure with altitude has a number of effects on skydiving.
1. Increased Airspeed
The lower air pressure at higher altitudes means that there is less air resistance. This causes skydivers to fall faster than they would at sea level. At 10,000 feet, a skydiver will fall at approximately 120 mph. At 20,000 feet, a skydiver will fall at approximately 180 mph.
2. Decreased Lift
The lower air pressure at higher altitudes also means that there is less lift. This makes it more difficult for skydivers to control their fall. Skydivers must use their bodies and equipment to generate lift in order to slow their descent.
3. Increased Hypoxia
The lower air pressure at higher altitudes means that there is less oxygen available to breathe. This can lead to hypoxia, which is a condition that occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of hypoxia include dizziness, nausea, and confusion. In severe cases, hypoxia can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
4. Increased Risk of Decompression Sickness
The lower air pressure at higher altitudes can also increase the risk of decompression sickness. Decompression sickness is a condition that occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body’s tissues. Symptoms of decompression sickness include pain in the joints, muscles, and abdomen. In severe cases, decompression sickness can lead to paralysis and even death.
How to Mitigate the Effects of Air Pressure on Skydiving
Skydivers can take a number of steps to mitigate the effects of air pressure on their bodies. These steps include:
Acclimatizing to altitude: Skydivers who are not used to high altitudes should spend several days at altitude before skydiving. This will allow their bodies to adjust to the lower air pressure.
Using oxygen: Skydivers who are skydiving at high altitudes should use oxygen to supplement their breathing. This will help to prevent hypoxia.
Ascending and descending slowly: Skydivers should ascend and descend slowly to avoid the formation of nitrogen bubbles in their tissues.
Drinking plenty of fluids: Skydivers should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and to help prevent decompression sickness.
## Conclusion
Air pressure is a major factor that affects skydiving. Skydivers must be aware of the effects of air pressure and take steps to mitigate these effects in order to stay safe.