What phenomenon occurs when air flows from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure?

The phenomenon that occurs when air flows from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure is known as the pressure gradient force. This force arises due to differences in atmospheric pressure across a horizontal distance. Essentially, air moves to balance out these pressure differences, resulting in wind. The greater the difference in pressure (also known as the pressure gradient), the stronger the wind will be as air rushes to equalize the pressure.

In meteorology, the pressure gradient force plays a crucial role in weather patterns and the movement of air masses. It is a primary driver of wind, influencing not only local breezes but also larger-scale circulation patterns in the atmosphere. Factors such as temperature changes and the earth's rotation, represented through Coriolis effect, also interact with the pressure gradient force, shaping the wind's direction and speed.

Convection, on the other hand, involves the vertical movement of air due to temperature differences, while diffusion refers to the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration, which is not specifically related to air pressure. Elevation generally pertains to altitude and its impacts on weather but does not directly describe the flow of air based on pressure differences. Therefore, the pressure gradient force is the correct description for the phenomenon