What phenomenon is characterized by a sudden increase in atmospheric pressure?

The phenomenon characterized by a sudden increase in atmospheric pressure is best exemplified by the development of a high-pressure system. This sudden rise in pressure often occurs as a cold front passes or when air masses converge and stabilize, leading to the descending motion of air. As air descends, it compresses and warms, resulting in higher atmospheric pressure readings.

This process is significant in weather observation because high-pressure systems are typically associated with clearer skies and stable weather conditions. They can lead to fair weather and are often the result of cooling temperatures or atmospheric dynamics that cause air to sink.

While the other options relate to changes in atmospheric pressure, they do not specifically reflect a sudden increase. For example, pressure rises associated with hurricanes can be complex and may not reflect a sudden increase in the same way as a developing high-pressure system. Similarly, a pressure drop before a storm and a storm surge describe scenarios where pressure decreases or water levels rise, which are contrary to the notion of an increase in atmospheric pressure.