During winter, what is the typical atmospheric pressure pattern in polar regions?

• A. Low pressure areas dominate
• B. High pressure areas dominate
• C. Variable pressure with frequent storms
• D. Generally stagnant air masses

Answer: (B)

In polar regions during winter, high pressure areas typically dominate due to several atmospheric processes. The cold temperatures in these regions contribute to the formation of cold, dense air masses that settle and create areas of high atmospheric pressure. This stable high-pressure system leads to relatively clear skies and dry conditions.

Cold air is more stable and doesn't rise easily, resulting in drier conditions compared to low-pressure systems, which are associated with rising air, cloud formation, and precipitation. Consequently, the winter months in polar regions are characterized by the stability of these high-pressure systems, which can lead to long periods of stagnant weather but generally do not produce variable atmospheric conditions typical of stormy weather found in mid-latitude areas.

While options discussing low pressure or variable pressure systems are plausible in certain scenarios, they do not accurately represent the overarching winter pattern in polar regions, where high pressure plays a predominant role.