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High Pressure and Low Pressure

From Wikiversity

Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere at a specific time, including conditions like: air pressure, wind temperature, and the amount of moisture in the air.

See related Clouds

Gif representing High Pressure and Low Pressure movements

High Pressure

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  • An area of cool, dryer air
  • Air sinks at the center of a high pressure system.
  • Weather usually results in clear, sunny skies.

Low Pressure

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  • An area of warmer air that is also more moist (contains more water vapor)
  • Air rises at the center of the low pressure system
  • Weather usually results in cloud with precipitation.

SideNotes

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High Pressure
  • (North America: High Pressure system moves outward from the center and clockwise)
  • (Southern America: Air in High Pressure systems move outward from the center and counterclockwise)
Low Pressure
  • (North America: Low Pressure system moves inward toward the center and counterclockwise)
  • (South America: Low Pressure system moves inward toward the center and clockwise)