Abstract As humans attempt to reach higher into the atmosphere, a host of physiological challenges emerge. First, as one travels upward, the familiar sea-level atmospheric pressure lessens. In fact, air pressure drops by about half for every 3.4 miles (5.5 km) of altitude increase. For those traveling to higher elevations, this means that although the percentages of oxygen, nitrogen and trace gases remain the same, the actual amount of oxygen available to the lungs is decreasing drastically. For example, the altitude of Denver, Colorado, in the USA is 5,300 ft (1,600 m) above sea level. Denver’s elevation causes a reduction in air pressure of over 4 psi from that at sea level. The partial pressure of oxygen, or the amount of oxygen present to support life, is correspondingly reduced from just over 3 psi (21 kPa) at sea level to just over 2 psi (14kPa). Those who have exercised at elevated locations such as Denver may have noticed the need to breathe more deeply. If breathing harder does not provide enough oxygen, the level of oxygen in the blood becomes reduced, resulting in a condition called hypoxia.
Reaching upward and outward
2006-01-01
8 pages
Aufsatz/Kapitel (Buch)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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