National Weather Service
Professional Development Series
Professional Competency Unit

Marine Weather Services

PCU 7: Apply an Understanding of Local Marine Climatology and terrain Influences

Producers:  TBD

Description of Job Duty Competency to be Achieved

Develop knowledge of local marine climatology and terrain influences and apply to marine weather products and services.

Description of Need

Every marine forecast area of responsibility possesses uniqu3 topographic and climatological characteristics. An understanding of these characteristics is essential to producing high quality marine weather products and services.

Specific Job Task Skills and Knowledge

7.1  Know climatological characteristics of marine area of responsibility including seasonal trends, variations and extremes such as;

  1. Tidal ranges
  2. Wind, waves and swells
  3. Fog and precipitation
  4. Areas prone to coastal flooding
  5. ENSO/Inter-annual occurrences
  6. Seasonal weather regimes

7.2 Understand local influences involving;

  1. Bathymetry
  2. Orographic affects
  3. Inlets
  4. Currents

7.3 Be familiar with common causes of marine accidents.

Instructional Components

Instructional Component 7.1 TBD

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Last updated on 7/6/04