The SI derived unit (not "derivative") for pressure is pascal (Pa). Hecto
and kilo are both valid prefixes. There is nothing I know of in SI that
states a preference for kilopascals over hectopascals.

Various disciplines do have their preferences, though. Although kilopascal
is preferred for things like tire pressure, meteorologists seem to be split
between kilopascals and hectopascals -- with the latter having the
convenience of having the same value as the more traditional millibar.

Bill Potts, CMS
Roseville, CA
http://metric1.org [SI Navigator]


>-----Original Message-----
>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On
>Behalf Of G. Stanley Doore
>Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 14:09
>To: U.S. Metric Association
>Subject: [USMA:23958] RE: Reply from the Washington Post
>
>
>It's all well and good to try to get the media to use the SI.
>
>Until the US Government decides that SI and its preferred
>derivatives should
>be used in the public arena, you will not make much progress.  The NOAA
>National Weather Service won't even adhere to the SI derivative for
>pressure.  For example, the NWS uses hPa rather than kPa for pressure
>Canada uses kPa to be consistent with other industries in reporting
>atmospheric pressure..
>
>Regards,  Stan Doore
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Stephen C. Gallagher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>To: U.S. Metric Association <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 9:10 AM
>Subject: [USMA:23951] RE: Reply from the Washington Post
>
>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Terry Simpson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>> To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>> Sent: 13 December 2002 08:00
>> Subject: [USMA:23949] RE: Reply from the Washington Post
>>
>>
>> > Stephen C. Gallagher wrote:
>> > > I sent a letter to the Washington Post, simply thanking them
>> > > for choosing to display Celsius temperature on their website.
>> > >
>> > > Here is the reply I received today:
>> >
>> > I also wrote congratulating them and received the identical reply.
>> >
>>
>> Good.  It's important to give them positive feedback.  They've probably
>> gotten a few negative replies from the anti-metric crowd, so whatever
>> positive feedback they receive will help balance the scales.
>>
>>
>

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