What term describes the combined weight of all atmospheric gases exerting pressure on the Earth's surface?

The term that describes the combined weight of all atmospheric gases exerting pressure on the Earth's surface is atmospheric or barometric pressure. This concept encompasses the total pressure exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere, which varies with altitude and weather conditions. As air sinks, it presses down on the layer below, contributing to the overall pressure felt at any given point on the Earth's surface.

This pressure is essential for various meteorological phenomena and affects everything from weather patterns to the functioning of human respiratory systems at different altitudes. Atmospheric or barometric pressure is measured in units such as pascals or millibars and is a vital parameter in fields such as aviation, meteorology, and environmental science, allowing us to understand and predict changes in weather and climate.

While atmospheric density refers to the mass of air per unit volume, and air pressure is a more general term that can refer to various types of pressure, the specific term that indicates the overall pressure exerted by the atmosphere is atmospheric or barometric pressure. Humidity pressure is not a standard term used in this context and refers more to the pressure exerted by water vapor in the air, which is just one component of atmospheric pressure.