What type of pressure is caused by the weight of the atmosphere above a measurement point?

The type of pressure caused by the weight of the atmosphere above a measurement point is atmospheric pressure. This pressure results from the gravitational pull on the air molecules in the atmosphere, which creates a force exerted on a surface area. It varies with altitude; higher altitudes have less atmospheric pressure because there is less air above to exert weight.

Atmospheric pressure is commonly measured using a barometer, and it typically decreases as you ascend in altitude. This concept is crucial in understanding various meteorological phenomena and the behavior of gases in different environments.

While barometric pressure refers specifically to atmospheric pressure as measured by a barometer, it is essentially a specific instance of atmospheric pressure. Hence, referring to it simply as atmospheric pressure highlights the broader concept without narrowing it to measurement methods.

Hydraulic pressure arises from the mechanical pressure exerted by a liquid in a confined space, and vacuum pressure refers to a condition where the pressure is less than atmospheric pressure, often in a space that is partially evacuated. Understanding these distinctions is essential in grasping various physical principles.