Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rayt]

Dear teacher,

I have read a sentence:

The summit is above approximately 40% of Earth's atmosphere and 90% of the water vapor.

Please clarify me what does �above� here mean? Does it mean �over�?! If so, dose it mean that atmosphere in the summit is less then in the ground? (only 40%?!) The same question goes to 90% of the water vapor.

Please help me. Thank you very much.

[pugachevV]

It means the summit is higher (above sea level) than 40% of the earth's atmosphere and 90% of the water vapor contained in the earth's atmosphere.

I bet you're impressed.

[chinateacher]

It means that the summit is higher than or at a higher altitude or higher elevation than approximately 40% of the atmosphere.

So if you were standing on the summit you could look down and realize that 40% of the earth's atmosphere was beneath your feet!