Weather theoryQuestion 303 of 934

In the troposphere, what is the average pressure decrease for each 1,000 feet of altitude gain?

  1. About 0.5 inch of mercury
  2. About one inch of mercury
  3. About two inches of mercury
  4. About three inches of mercury
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Correct answer: About one inch of mercury

Pressure falls about one inch per 1,000 feet in the troposphere.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 12: Weather Theory — Composition of the Atmosphere, page 287

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026