What does subsidence refer to in meteorology?

Subsidence in meteorology specifically refers to the downward movement of air, which typically occurs when air is cooled and becomes denser than its surroundings. This process is crucial for understanding various weather phenomena, as subsiding air can suppress cloud formation and lead to clearer skies, often associated with high-pressure systems.

When air descends, it compresses and warms adiabatically, which can result in a stable atmosphere and lack of significant weather activity. This contrasts with other processes such as convection, where warm air rises, or lateral air movements, which do not define the specific downward motion intrinsic to subsidence.

Overall, recognizing subsidence helps meteorologists predict weather patterns, understand visibility conditions, and assess the stability of the atmosphere.