Which statement is true regarding high-pressure systems?

A high-pressure area, also known as a ridge, is characterized by descending air. This phenomenon occurs because as air cools, it becomes denser and sinks, creating a region of high pressure at the surface. This descending air inhibits the formation of clouds, leading to clearer skies and typically more stable weather conditions. The stable nature of high-pressure systems often results in tranquil weather, as the subsiding air discourages convection and cloud formation.

In contrast to descending air, rising air is associated with low-pressure systems, which can lead to increased cloudiness and unsettled weather. Therefore, the inherent characteristics of high-pressure systems, particularly the associated descending air, correctly articulate the nature and behavior of these meteorological phenomena.