In high pressure systems, how does the air circulate?

In high-pressure systems, air circulates outward and generally moves in a clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere. This circulation occurs because high-pressure systems are areas where the atmospheric pressure is greater than that of the surrounding areas. As air descends from higher altitudes, it compresses and warms, allowing for clearer skies and stable weather conditions. The outward flow of air at the surface helps to create this high-pressure area, with the Coriolis effect causing the winds to rotate in a clockwise direction.

This behavior is characteristic of high-pressure systems, distinguishing them from low-pressure systems, where air circulates inward and counterclockwise. Understanding this circulation pattern is crucial for weather prediction and understanding atmospheric dynamics.