At what rate does atmospheric pressure decrease with an increase in altitude?

Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude due to the diminishing weight of the air above as one ascends. A commonly accepted rule of thumb in aviation meteorology is that atmospheric pressure typically decreases by about 1 inch of mercury (in. Hg) for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain in the lower atmosphere. This relationship helps pilots and meteorologists understand how to manage altitude changes and their effects on aircraft performance and navigation.

In standard conditions, this rate allows for a predictable and manageable decrease in pressure with altitude, which is critical for accurate altimeter settings and flight planning. The other options suggest rates that either overstate or understate this decrease, thus not aligning with the standard atmospheric principles used in aviation.