Anticyclones and Cyclones
Anticyclones are areas that have higher pressure than the surrounding areas. They are areas where air masses diverge or move apart and sink. The winds spiral clockwise in an anticyclone. The cool, sinking air of an anticyclone will warm and absorb moisture as it sinks and causes dry, clear weather with light winds. Cooler, denser air moves out of the center of these high-pressure areas toward areas of lower pressure. Anticyclones are often referred to as high pressure systems.
Cyclones are areas that have lower pressure than the surrounding areas do. They are areas where air masses converge or come together and rise. The winds spiral counter- clockwise in a cyclone towards the center then rise. The warm, rising air of a cyclone cools causing clouds and rain which often causes stormy weather. Cyclones are often referred to as low pressure systems or depressions.
Meteorologists can predict stormy or clear weather by tracking cyclones and anticyclones.
For the northern hemisphere, which statement best describes a low-pressure system?
For the northern hemisphere, which statement best describes a high-pressure system?
Which of the following statements describes an anticyclone?
What kind of air pressure is in a cyclone?
How do winds behave in a cyclone?
What kind of weather would an anticyclone likely bring?
Meteorologists track cyclones and anticyclones because they