STANDARD GRADE ANTICYCLONES

HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEMS High pressure systems are also known as anticyclones

HIGH ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE Outer edge of the atmosphere The Earth’s atmosphere presses down on the surface of the Earth. Cold, dense air falls. This increases the weight of the air pressing down on the Earth’s surface. The Earth’s surface

WHAT CAUSES HIGH PRESSURE? When air high in the atmosphere is cold, it falls towards the earth’s surface. Falling air increases the weight of air pressing down on the Earth’s surface. This means that air pressure is high.

WHAT WEATHER DOES HIGH PRESSURE BRING? As the cold air falls through the atmosphere, it becomes slightly warmer. Because warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, no condensation or clouds occur. There are no warm or cold fronts in high pressure areas. This means that high pressure systems bring clear skies. Winds are usually light, and blow out of the high pressure area.

HIGH PRESSURE IN WINTER High pressure in winter gives us clear skies very low temperatures calm, or light winds no precipitation frosty conditions

HIGH PRESSURE IN SUMMER gives us clear skies high temperatures calm, or light winds no precipitation © Microsoft Word clipart