ANTICYCLONE, a name first proposed by F. Galton for an atmospheric system opposite to a cyclone (q.v.). In an anti cyclone the barometric pressure is high, seldom less than 1,015 m.bars, or 3o inches, and there is a steady decrease from the centre; in a well-marked anticyclone the isobars are usually cir cular or oval curves. Certain parts of the earth, notably large parts of the latitude belts about 3o° N. and 3o° S., also conti nental areas in winter in mid latitudes, are characterized by high pressures and are termed anticyclonic regions. At the surface the air tends to flow outwards in all directions from the central area and is deflected on account of the earth's rotation (see FERREL'S LAW) so as to give a spiral movement, in the direction of the hands of a watch-face, upwards in the northern hemisphere and in the opposite direction in the southern hemisphere. Anticyclones are usually regions of calms or light winds with little or no rain fall; these conditions are best seen in the desert regions of the globe; in temperate zones there is more variety of weather, e.g., in Britain they are usually accompanied by dull, cheerless, foggy weather in winter and by bright, hot weather in summer.