Which correctly describes the movement of air in a high-pressure system?
A. Surface air moves up and down in the center of the system.
B. Surface air moves toward the center of the system.
C. Surface air moves away from the center of the system.
D .Surface air circles around the center of the system.
C. Surface air moves away from the center of the system.
Which correctly describes the movement of air in a high-pressure system?
A. Surface air moves up and down in the center of the system.
B. Surface air moves toward the center of the system.
C. Surface air moves away from the center of the system.
D. Surface air circles around the center of the system.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the general circulation pattern in a high-pressure system. High-pressure systems are areas where the atmospheric pressure is relatively higher compared to the surrounding regions. In these systems, air tends to sink and diverge.
Option A states that surface air moves up and down in the center of the system, but this is not accurate. High-pressure systems are associated with sinking air, not rising air. Therefore, option A can be eliminated.
Option B suggests that surface air moves toward the center of the system. However, in a high-pressure system, air tends to diverge or move away from the center due to the sinking motion. This means that option B is incorrect.
Option C implies that surface air moves away from the center of the system, which aligns with our understanding of high-pressure systems. As mentioned earlier, sinking air creates a divergence at the surface, and air tends to move outward from the center. Hence, option C is likely to be the correct answer.
Option D suggests that surface air circles around the center of the system. In reality, it is low-pressure systems, known as cyclones, where air circulates counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. In high-pressure systems, however, the horizontal movement of air is away from the center. Therefore, option D is not the correct choice.
In conclusion, option C, "Surface air moves away from the center of the system," is most likely to be the correct description of the movement of air in a high-pressure system.