The diagram you describe suggests that it is showing a high-pressure system. In meteorology, high-pressure systems are characterized by descending air that spreads outward in a fan-like manner at the surface.
Here’s how you can determine that this is a high-pressure system:
-
Air Movement: High-pressure systems are associated with sinking air. The diagram shows air coming down, which indicates that the air is descending rather than rising (as would occur in a low-pressure system).
-
Outward Flow: The air moving out in a fan-like manner suggests that it is dispersing from a central point, which is typical of high-pressure systems. When air descends in a high-pressure area, it creates higher pressure at the surface, causing air to flow outward.
-
Stability and Weather Patterns: High-pressure systems typically lead to clear and stable weather conditions. The descending air inhibits cloud formation, which further indicates a high-pressure zone.
In contrast, in low-pressure systems, air tends to rise, leading to cloud formation and precipitation. If the diagram had shown rising air and convergence at the surface, it would suggest a low-pressure system instead.
Overall, the characteristics of descending air and the outward movement reflect the behavior typical of high-pressure systems in meteorology.