What is another term for a high-pressure area?

A high-pressure area is commonly referred to as an anticyclone. An anticyclone is a region where the atmospheric pressure is higher than that of the surrounding areas, typically associated with clear skies and calm, settled weather conditions. When high pressure dominates an area, it pushes air down from above, leading to the dissipation of clouds and precipitation, thereby creating stable weather patterns.

The term "anticyclone" originates from the rotation of the winds around a high-pressure zone, where the wind flows clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect. This characteristic behavior of the atmosphere is what gives anticyclones their distinct and defining weather patterns, in contrast to low-pressure areas that are often associated with stormy and turbulent weather.

Understanding the concept of a high-pressure area as an anticyclone is crucial in meteorology for predicting weather changes and patterns. This knowledge helps in various applications, including aviation, where understanding weather conditions can significantly affect flight safety and routing.