[USMA:25304] Re: hPa

[Joseph B. Reid]

We have had severral postings about hPa vesus kPa.  I believe that 
the international exchange of meteorlogical information about 
atmospheric pressure is done to 4-digit accuracy, without decimal 
point.  The first digit, 0 or 1, is omitted because if the second 
digit is 0, 1, or 2, the first digit must be 1; while if the second 
digit is 9, 8, or 7, the first digit must be 0.  In other words, 
surfacee atmospheric pressure must lie between 0700 hPa and 1299 hPa. 
Replace the missing first digit and add a decimal point and you have 
hectopascals or kilopscals, depending on your taste.
--
Joseph B. Reid
17 Glebe Road West
Toronto  M5P 1C8		Telephone 416-486-6071