What is defined as the pressure exerted on a surface by a column of water?

Hydrostatic pressure is defined specifically as the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity. In the context of water, it relates to how deep a column of water is; the deeper the water column, the greater the pressure. This principle is foundational in various fields, including roofing, where understanding how water accumulates and exerts pressure on surfaces is critical for design and structural integrity. Recognizing hydrostatic pressure is essential for managing drainage systems and ensuring that roofs can withstand the potential forces due to water accumulation.

In contrast, atmospheric pressure refers to the weight of the air above us and is unrelated to water specifically. Static pressure can refer to pressure exerted by fluids that are not in motion but does not specifically denote the pressure from a column of water. Bearing pressure is generally associated with the pressure exerted on a structural element due to loads, which can include a variety of forces, not limited to hydrostatic forces. Each of these terms describes a different aspect of pressure, but hydrostatic pressure is the precise definition for pressure from a column of water.