Ridge (meteorology) facts for kids
A ridge in weather is like a big, invisible hill of air in the atmosphere. It's an area where the air pressure is higher than the areas around it. Think of it as a "high-pressure system." When a ridge is overhead, it usually brings clear skies, sunshine, and calm weather. It's the opposite of a trough, which is like a valley of low pressure and often brings stormy weather.
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What is a Weather Ridge?
A weather ridge is a stretched-out area where the atmospheric pressure is higher than the areas next to it. Imagine the air above us as having different weights. In a ridge, the air is heavier and pushes down more, creating high pressure. This high pressure means the air is sinking slowly.
How Ridges Affect Weather
When air sinks in a ridge, it warms up and dries out. This makes it hard for clouds to form. That's why ridges often bring clear, sunny skies and calm conditions. They can also block other weather systems, making good weather last for several days.
For example, a strong ridge over a region can lead to a period of warm, stable weather, sometimes even heatwaves in summer. In winter, they can bring cold, clear days with little wind.
Ridges vs. Troughs
A ridge is the exact opposite of a trough.
- A ridge is an area of high pressure where air sinks. This usually means clear skies and stable weather.
- A trough is an area of low pressure where air rises. This often leads to clouds, rain, and stormy weather.
Think of it like this: A ridge is a "hill" of high pressure, and a trough is a "valley" of low pressure. Weather systems often move along these hills and valleys in the atmosphere.
Where Do Ridges Form?
Ridges can form anywhere, but some are very common. The subtropical ridge is a well-known example. It's a belt of high pressure that circles the Earth near the tropics. This ridge helps create the world's major deserts because the sinking, dry air prevents rain.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Ridge line extending to the left of the high pressure center (H).
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Airflow around troughs and ridges in upper troposphere.
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Clouds dissipating in the subtropical ridge.
