GED Science TestEarth and Space ScienceMedium
A city is experiencing a prolonged period of drought, characterized by unusually high temperatures and minimal precipitation. A climatologist notes that for several weeks, a large, stable mass of warm, dry air has been dominating the region. This atmospheric condition is most indicative of which type of pressure system?
- ALow-pressure system
- BStationary front
- CHigh-pressure system
- DOccluded front
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. High-pressure system
High-pressure systems are typically associated with clear skies, calm conditions, and stable air that suppresses cloud formation and precipitation. The sinking air within a high-pressure system warms and dries, leading to the conditions described: high temperatures and minimal precipitation, often resulting in drought.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Low-pressure systems are associated with rising air, cloud formation, and precipitation.
- B. Stationary fronts are characterized by prolonged, often cloudy or rainy, weather where air masses meet but don't move.
- D. Occluded fronts involve the interaction of multiple air masses and typically bring precipitation.
High-Pressure System
An area where atmospheric pressure is higher than the surrounding areas, characterized by sinking air, clear skies, calm winds, and often dry, stable weather.
- Sinking air warms and dries, inhibiting cloud formation.
- Associated with fair, often warm, weather.
- Can lead to prolonged periods of drought if persistent.
Memory trick: High Pressure, Happy Weather (but dry!).