Which correctly describes the movement of air in a high-pressure system

1 answer

In a high-pressure system, the movement of air generally descends and spreads outwards. The air in high-pressure systems is typically more stable and has higher pressure compared to the surrounding areas. Here's a more detailed explanation:

  1. Descending Air: Air in a high-pressure system sinks towards the surface. This descent inhibits cloud formation and generally leads to clear, calm weather conditions.

  2. Outward Flow: As the air descends and accumulates at the surface, it creates a situation where the air begins to move outward from the center of the high-pressure area. This is often referred to as "divergence."

  3. Clockwise Rotation: In the Northern Hemisphere, the air flows outward and rotates in a clockwise direction around the high-pressure center, whereas, in the Southern Hemisphere, the flow is counterclockwise.

Overall, a high-pressure system is associated with settled weather, fewer clouds, and less precipitation, as the descending air suppresses upward motion that would lead to cloud and storm formation.