What term describes airflow that moves outward from the center of a high-pressure area?

The term that describes airflow moving outward from the center of a high-pressure area is divergence. In meteorological terms, high-pressure systems are characterized by air descending in the center, which leads to outward movement of air at the surface. This outward airflow occurs because the higher pressure at the center of the high-pressure area wants to expand and equalize with the surrounding lower pressure areas.

In contrast, convergence refers to air coming together, typically associated with low-pressure systems where air rises. Circulation refers to the general movement of air within the atmosphere, which encompasses various systems, and convection is specifically the process of heat transfer through fluid motion. Understanding the concept of divergence is crucial for interpreting weather patterns associated with high-pressure systems, which often lead to clearer skies and more stable weather conditions.