The Development Branch performs applied research to identify the important physical factors responsible for climate fluctuations, monitors the state of the coupled ocean-atmosphere climate system, and develops statistical and physically-based climate prediction techniques.

The Branch interacts closely with the Operations Branch of the Climate Prediction Center, as well as the Environmental Modeling Center of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and other National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration-funded partners, to develop and improve real-time monitoring and prediction products. With the Operations Branch, appropriate data bases and publications are developed and maintained to support this work.