Final answer:
Clear skies are typically observed near high-pressure systems due to sinking air that inhibits cloud formation, unlike low-pressure systems that cause rising, condensing air, and cloud formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When observing cloud cover in the vicinity of a high-pressure system, you would typically notice that the skies are clearer. This is because a high-pressure system involves sinking air that inhibits the formation of clouds, leading to more stable and dry weather conditions. In opposition to high-pressure systems, low-pressure systems are associated with rising moist air that condenses to form clouds, which can result in precipitation and more dynamic weather changes. Therefore, option (a) 'Clouds near the high-pressure system is clear' is the correct observation regarding cloud cover near a high-pressure system. It's noteworthy that high pressure in the atmosphere is indicative of fair weather, while low pressure usually suggests inclement weather, including storms and rainfall.