What is the effect of a low-pressure system on the air masses surrounding it?

A low-pressure system creates an area where the atmospheric pressure is lower than that of the surrounding regions. This pressure difference causes the surrounding air masses to converge towards the low-pressure center. As these air masses converge, they are forced to rise due to the upward movement of air associated with low-pressure systems.

When air rises, it cools, and as it cools, the moisture in the air can condense, leading to cloud formation and potentially precipitation. This vertical movement is a key characteristic of low-pressure systems and is fundamental in various weather phenomena, including storms and fronts.

The other options do not accurately describe the dynamics of low-pressure systems. For example, low-pressure systems do not stabilize the air masses or prevent cloud formation; instead, they often promote instability and cloud development due to the rising motion of moist air.