1. Air Pressure and Weather
Cyclones and Anticyclones

2. High Pressure vs. Low Pressure
Think about your ears popping!
Why do our ears pop?
When do our ears pop?

3. To release pressure!
Air moves in pressure systems very similarly to how the air moves when our ears “pop”!

4. High and Low Pressure Systems

5. How does air move?!?
Air moves from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure .
High Low

6. Air Pressure and Weather
Cyclones
An area in the atmosphere that has lower pressure than the surrounding areas.
Air masses converge or move together; winds spiral toward the center

7. Air Pressure and Weather
Anticyclones
Areas where air diverges or moves apart and sinks. Sinking air is denser than surrounding air.
Rotates in a direction opposite to Earth’s rotation.

8. Pressure Systems vs. Weather

9. Air Pressure and Weather
Cyclones form clouds and rain when the rising air cools.
Cyclones cause stormy weather.
Anticyclones cause dry, clear weather because as the air sinks it gets warmer and absorbs moisture.