Microbarometer

Microbarometers are extremely sensitive barometers for measuring air pressure with a display resolution in the range of microbar (µbar) or in the pascal range (Pa). Conventional barometers usually have a millibar (mbar) or hectopascal division (hPa).

With the help of microbarometers, compliance with the internationally agreed Nuclear Weapon Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is monitored at several locations around the world, including in Germany. The corresponding pressure waves from atom bomb tests can travel long distances. By analyzing pressure data recorded at several locations at the same time, the location and strength of the explosion can be calculated.

If a microbarometer were used as an altimeter with absolutely constant air pressure ( i.e. also without microbaromes , ie ideal conditions), it would show altitude differences with almost centimeter accuracy.