In a high pressure system, which of the following best describes the air flow and weather tendency?

In a high pressure system, which of the following best describes the air flow and weather tendency?

• A. Counter clockwise, downward, with low pressure and poor weather.
• B. Clockwise, upward and faster; usually associated with good weather.
• C. Counter clockwise, upward, with high pressure and excellent weather.
• D. Clockwise, downward, with low pressure and unsettled weather.

Answer: (B)

High pressure systems feature air that sinks and spreads outward, producing a clockwise circulation around the center in the Northern Hemisphere. This subsidence warms the air, lowers relative humidity, and suppresses cloud formation, so the weather tends to be stable and fair. The description that fits best is clockwise flow with downward motion associated with high pressure and generally excellent weather. By contrast, upward motion is characteristic of a low pressure system and is usually linked to clouds and unsettled or poorer weather. (Direction of flow reverses in the Southern Hemisphere.)

High pressure systems feature air that sinks and spreads outward, producing a clockwise circulation around the center in the Northern Hemisphere. This subsidence warms the air, lowers relative humidity, and suppresses cloud formation, so the weather tends to be stable and fair. The description that fits best is clockwise flow with downward motion associated with high pressure and generally excellent weather. By contrast, upward motion is characteristic of a low pressure system and is usually linked to clouds and unsettled or poorer weather. (Direction of flow reverses in the Southern Hemisphere.)