What characterizes a cyclone in meteorological terms?

A cyclone is characterized by a large area of low atmospheric pressure surrounded by inward spiraling winds. This structure arises due to the rotation of the Earth, which causes the air in the low-pressure center to be drawn in from surrounding areas where the pressure is higher. As this air moves toward the center, it begins to rotate and can lead to significant weather events, including strong winds and precipitation.

The inward spiraling winds represent the typical behavior of cyclones, which are fundamentally driven by the thermodynamic processes that occur when warm, moist air rises and cools, forming clouds and precipitation. The dynamics of a cyclone can lead to various weather phenomena, including hurricanes and tropical storms, depending on their location and intensity.

In contrast, other options describe atmospheric conditions that do not align with the essential characteristics of a cyclone, such as high pressure or stable weather without significant wind. This distinction underlines why the definition involving low pressure and inward spiraling winds is the correct characterization of cyclones in meteorology.