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divergence
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Two diagrams show vertical cross sections of wave systems in the atmosphere. The top diagram illustrates a non-tilting system with convergence and divergence zones aligned vertically above surface highs and lows, while the bottom diagram shows a tilting system where these zones are slanted, affecting the distribution of convergence and divergence. Both include labels for troughs, ridges, and the level of non-divergence, demonstrating how atmospheric dynamics differ between the two systems.
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divergence

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Two diagrams show vertical cross sections of wave systems in the atmosphere. The top diagram illustrates a non-tilting system with convergence and divergence zones aligned vertically above surface highs and lows, while the bottom diagram shows a tilting system where these zones are slanted, affecting the distribution of convergence and divergence. Both include labels for troughs, ridges, and the level of non-divergence, demonstrating how atmospheric dynamics differ between the two systems.
Figure 7: Vertical cross sections through a wave system depicting typical divergence/convergence distributions for non-tilting and tilting systems.

In meteorology, divergence refers to the horizontal outflow of air. This outflow causes air to move downward, a process known as subsidence. This is in contrast to convergence, which is the horizontal inflow of air that causes it to rise.1

Divergence aloft can lead to low atmospheric pressure at the surface in tropical regions. Conversely, the convergence of air in the upper troposphere can create high-pressure systems. Updrafts and downdrafts, which are vertical air currents, are also related to these processes. Updrafts are upward-moving currents, while downdrafts are downward-moving currents. These vertical movements are crucial in weather phenomena like thunderstorms.23

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. convergence and divergence
  2. atmosphere - Convection , circulation, and deflection of air
  3. updraft and downdraft

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