In the Southern Hemisphere, how do high pressure systems generally circulate?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

In the Southern Hemisphere, high pressure systems exhibit a characteristic circulation pattern due to the Coriolis effect, which is the result of Earth's rotation. This effect causes moving air to turn in a counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise) direction around high pressure systems.

The development of high pressure areas is typically associated with descending air, leading to the divergence of air at the surface. As the air sinks and spreads outward, it creates a circulation pattern that is influenced by the Coriolis force, resulting in the anti-clockwise movement of air around the high pressure system.

Understanding this circulation is crucial for meteorologists as it influences weather patterns. For instance, the anti-clockwise flow associated with high pressure leads to stable weather conditions, often resulting in clear skies and light winds in the vicinity of the high.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the typical behavior of high pressure systems in the Southern Hemisphere, as they either misrepresent the direction of circulation or suggest a lack of organized flow.

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