Barometric pressure, dry bulb temperature and vapor pressure at the lowest terrestrial site on earth, Dead Sea basin, Neve Zohar, Israel

Abstract

The Dead Sea basin is located at the lowest terrestrial site on the earth and, thereby, has the tallest atmospheric air column above its surface. Consequently, the Dead Sea basin is expected, a priori, to have the highest terrestrial barometric pressure and, thereby, the highest molecular oxygen density on the earth. The barometric pressure and dry bulb temperature have been monitored continuously at Neve Zohar, located on the western shore of the Dead Sea, since January 1995. The monthly average daily barometric pressure values exceed normal atmospheric pressure by a maximum of 4.83 hPa (4.77%) and a minimum of 33.1 hPa (3.26%) for December and July, respectively. This increase in barometric pressure can serve as a simple way to improve arterial oxygenation in hypoxemic patients. As a result, a number of research projects have been initiated on the treatment of patients suffering from pulmonary and cardiac diseases at the Dead Sea basin. The hourly barometric pressure data with regard to both its diurnal and monthly variation and the correlation between barometric pressure and dry bulb temperature will be analyzed.