Which of the following describes the air flow around a high pressure system?

In meteorology, the air flow around a high-pressure system is characterized by a clockwise motion in the Northern Hemisphere. This occurs due to the effect of the Coriolis force, which deflects moving air to the right. As the air descends in a high-pressure area, it spreads outward, resulting in a clockwise flow. This pattern is crucial in understanding weather systems, as high-pressure areas are typically associated with clearer skies and stable weather due to the sinking air inhibiting cloud formation.

In contrast, in a low-pressure system, the air flows counter-clockwise as it rises and converges toward the center. The upward flow seen in low-pressure systems is also a key factor in producing clouds and precipitation, while high-pressure systems usually exhibit downward flow, which contributes to dry conditions. Understanding these dynamics helps in predicting weather patterns and the associated atmospheric conditions.