Which instrument measures atmospheric pressure?

Study for the METRO (Meteorology) – VT-10 Test. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam today!

Measuring atmospheric pressure is done with a barometer. Atmospheric pressure is the weight of the air above us, and a barometer converts that pressure into readable values. The common types include mercury barometers, where a column of mercury rises or falls with pressure, and aneroid barometers, which use a sealed flexible chamber that expands or contracts. Changes in pressure help forecast weather: rising pressure often signals clearing skies, while falling pressure can indicate approaching storms. Other instruments measure different properties: a thermometer measures temperature, a hygrometer measures humidity, and an anemometer measures wind speed. None of these directly measure atmospheric pressure, so the barometer is the correct choice.