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Can you explain barometric pressure and how can it effect underwater fish habitat.
Mike M.
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Interesting thought Mike, let's try to find some information on this one.
First of all Barometric pressure is what we call air pressure. It's the falling and rising air pressure that most people are interested in. High pressure just as it's written, has high pressure or the pressure will rise, or become higher. When lower pressure is approaching, the pressure lowers or falls. This is imporant if you're out and about and all you have is a barometer, the intstrument used to monitor such changes.
High pressure, as a general rule, is associated with sinking air, which inhibits clouds and thus, has nicer or quieter weather. Low pressure, is generally associated with clouds or storminess. So if the pressure is fallingin a hurry, it's a good sign that some changes are on the way.
Meteorologists use barometric pressure in weather prediction but fishermen can find it handy too. Some changes pressure can change the feeding habits of fish. It seems to affect shallow water areas more than deeper water. Fish appear to become more active when the pressure is falling but I am not sure of the scienfic reason for this. A link on the right has a handy guide table of what kind of barometer trends equate to fish activity.
It appears that the addition of new rain droplets to the water increases the oxygen and cools the water. This might cause the fish to become more active and ehance their feeding instincts. However, when pressure is falling and a front might be coming, expect the weather to go down hill. Always check the forecast before you head out to stay safe.
Answered by KSL Meteorologist Dina Freedman
