High pressure and anticyclones
A high pressure system is called an anticyclone.
- Air falls in an anticyclone so no clouds are formed.
- In summer, high pressure usually results in clear skies, gentle breezes and fine weather.
- In winter high pressure leads to clear skies and colder conditions.
- There is less wind as the isobars are further apart
- Anticyclones tend to move in a clockwise direction.
You can recognise an anticyclone on a weather chart as the isobars are above 1000mb and spread further apart.
Anticyclones tend to last longer than depressions. For example, an anticyclone can last for two weeks whereas a depression lasts 2-3 days.
Question
Are the following statements true or false?
- High pressure bring an anticyclone weather system.
- High pressure is shown on an isobar map when the numbers are 1000mb or below.
- Anticyclones will bring rain.
- Winds will be calmer in an anticyclone.
- Anticyclones move in an anticlockwise direction.
- True
- False - Air pressure will be above 1000mb.
- False - Anticyclones bring clear skies and sunny spells.
- True - Isobars will be further apart together.
- False - Anticyclones move in a clockwise direction.