Which best describes the behavior of winds in high pressure systems?

In high-pressure systems, winds flow outward in a clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere, influenced by the Coriolis effect. High pressure is characterized by sinking air, which leads to diverging winds at the surface. As the air descends, it compresses and warms, reducing cloud formation and often resulting in clear, dry weather.

This clockwise motion is a result of the pressure gradient force pushing air from areas of higher pressure toward lower pressure, while the Coriolis effect deflects the wind to the right. This systematic and predictable behavior distinguishes high-pressure systems from low-pressure areas, where winds flow inward and counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, indicating converging air and often leading to cloudiness and precipitation.

The other options suggest behaviors that don't accurately reflect the dynamics of high-pressure systems. For instance, wind cannot flow into a high-pressure system as it is characterized by outward flow. Erratic behavior is more typical of turbulent conditions often found near fronts or in low-pressure areas, not in the organized structure of a high-pressure system. Lastly, while high-pressure systems can extend to upper altitudes, their defining winds are most noticeable at the surface where typical weather effects are felt.