Different Weathers: The Effects of

Ascending and Descending Air

Weather is the condition of the atmosphere over a very short period of time.
Climate is the average condition of the atmosphere across a large area of the
earth’s surface and over a very long period of time.
Over mid-latitude countries such as Ireland, areas of low pressure often take
the form of depressions (which are also called cyclones or lows). Depressions are
typically oval in shape. They may be over 1000km long from end to end. Pressure
is lower at the centre of each depression.
In mid-latitudes, areas of high pressure often take the form of anticyclones
(also called highs). Anticyclones also tend to be roughly oval in shape. They are
often even larger in size than depressions. Pressure is highest at the centre of
each anticyclone.

Weather during a depression (ascending air)

Strong winds > closely-packed isobars indicate strong winds. Strong winds blow
towards the low pressure areas at the centres of depressions. Because of Coriolis
force, the winds blow in an anti-clockwise direction in the northern hemisphere.
Much cloud > air rises at the low pressure centres of depressions. But
temperature decreases with height. So as the air rises it becomes cooler. Cool air
cannot hold as much water as warm air. So as the air rises some of its water
vapour is condensed or changed into tiny droplets. These droplets make up cloud.
The main types of cloud are discussed in New Complete Geography, chapter 12
(Water in the atmosphere)
Much precipitation > as the air continues to rise, condensation continues. The
tiny droplets that make up cloud join together and become heavier until they fall
as rain or other forms of precipitation. The rain associated with depressions is
called cyclonic rain.

Weather during an anticyclone (ascending air)

Light or no winds > widely-spaced isobars indicate light winds or calm
conditions. Any winds which do exist blow away from the centre of the
anticyclone. Because of Coriolis force, the winds blow in a clockwise direction in
the northern hemisphere.
No cloud > air descends towards the centre of high pressure. As the air
descends, it becomes warmer. As the air becomes warmer it can hold more
moisture, so it absorbs rather than condenses water vapour. Without
condensation no cloud can form. So skies are clear.
Dry weather > since descending air results in little or no condensation,
anticyclones bring dry weather conditions.

More about depressions

Ireland is affected by a polar front, which exists usually between 50° and 60°
north of the equator. Frequently, a wedge of warm air invades the territory of the
cold air. Some of the light, warm air then begins to rise over the cold air, setting
up an area of low pressure called a depression. Depressions develop frequently
over the north Atlantic. They typically move eastwards towards Ireland, where
each depression brings with it a spell of wet, windy and unsettled weather.