PCU 2: Forecasting in the Marine Environment

Producer: Jeff Lorens (WRH)

Description of Job Competency to be Achieved: Marine weather forecasters at coastal and Great Lakes Weather Forecast Offices and National Centers must be proficient in forecasting wind and wave conditions in the marine environment. Wind and wave forecasting are the core aspects of this Professional Competency Unit (PCU). Forecasters will learn how to recognize the importance of surface winds (direction and speed) and wind-produced waves, including their propagation/dispersion in deep water and their interaction with shallow water. Additionally, this PCU addresses coastal and lakeshore hazards (e.g. rough surf, coastal flooding, and rip currents) and other weather conditions which may pose a threat to mariners and residents/visitors in and near the shoreline (including fog and other restrictions to visibility and other potential weather hazards, depending on location).

Core Instructional Components (Core Instructional Components develop the most important skills needed by NWS marine forecasters and form a solid foundation of training.) IC from Skill 1.1 [CORE]: Describe how the boundary layer affects surface winds in marine and terrestrial environments, and why this is important for marine forecasts. [TRAINING] "Winds in the Marine Boundary Layer: A Forecaster's Guide" (Section: "Overview of MBL") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 1.1 [CORE]: State why stability must be considered when forecasting surface winds in marine environments. [TRAINING] "Winds in the Marine Boundary Layer: A Forecaster's Guide" (Section: "Stability Effects") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 2.1 [CORE]: List the basic wave types. [TRAINING] "Wave Types and Characteristics" (Section: "Wave Types") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 2.1 [CORE]: Describe the general physical characteristics of the basic wave types, with emphasis on the most common wave types for your local forecast area. [TRAINING] "Wave Types and Characteristics" (Section: "Physical Traits") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 2.1 [CORE]: Describe typical wave height range distribution (statistical wave height spectrum), and how this may influence your wave forecasts. [TRAINING] "Wave Types and Characteristics" (Section: "Statistical Traits") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 2.1 [CORE]: Explain the basic concepts of swell travel (propagation and dispersion), and why they must be considered in forecasting waves for your local area. [TRAINING] "Wave Types and Characteristics" (Section: "Swell Traits") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 2.2 [CORE]: Describe how wind speed, fetch, and wind duration affect wave growth, and which of these (if any) are more likely to be limiting factors for wave growth in your marine forecast area. [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle I: Generation" (COMET Module) (Sections: "Wind Speed", "Fetch", and "Wind Duration") IC from Skill 2.2 [CORE]: Define "dynamic fetch" and how it may impact your local wave forecast (wave height and timing). [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle I: Generation" (COMET Module) (Section: "Fetch") IC from Skill 2.2 [CORE]: Describe the concept of "fully developed seas", including the basic conditions necessary to attain them (with emphasis on possible limiting factors in your local forecast area). [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle I: Generation" (COMET Module) (Section: "Fully Developed Seas") IC from Skill 2.3 [CORE]: In terms of basic wave characteristics (height, period, steepness, etc.), explain how locally-developed waves ("seas" or "wind waves") differ from waves generated from a distance source ("swell"). [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Introduction") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 2.3 [CORE]: State how swell propagates directionally, and why this is important to your local wave forecast. [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Propagation") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 2.3 [CORE]: Describe how swell direction is affected by large barriers (e.g. islands, points, and capes), and how this may impact local wave forecasts. [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Propagation") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 2.3 [CORE]: Define "swell decay" (in terms of period, height, and steepness changes). [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Dispersion") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 2.3 [CORE]: Given the location of a wave source region (fetch area) and initial wave parameters (height, period, direction), state how long it will take for the associated waves to begin to affect your forecast area. [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Dispersion") (COMET Module) IC from Skill 3.1 [CORE]: Define "shoaling", "refraction", and "reflection", and what impacts each may have on waves at or near your coastline. [TRAINING] "Shallow Water Waves" (Section: "Shallow-Water Wave Effects") (COMET Module)

Ability 1. Forecast marine winds Skill 1.1. Understand how the marine boundary layer differs from the terrestrial boundary layer, and how it's structure and characteristics affects winds in marine areas. "Winds in the Marine Boundary Layer: A Forecaster's Guide" (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: Describe how the boundary layer affects surface winds in marine and terrestrial environments, and why this is important for marine forecasts. [TRAINING] "Winds in the Marine Boundary Layer: A Forecaster's Guide" (Section: "Overview of MBL") (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: State why stability must be considered when forecasting surface winds in marine environments. [TRAINING] "Winds in the Marine Boundary Layer: A Forecaster's Guide" (Section: "Stability Effects") (COMET Module) IC: Describe how stability profiles change both seasonally and diurnally, and the impacts this could have on wind forecasts. [TRAINING] "Winds in the Marine Boundary Layer: A Forecaster's Guide" (Section: "Stability Effects") (COMET Module) IC: Assess the impact of isallobaric wind effects in marine environments. [TRAINING] "Winds in the Marine Boundary Layer: A Forecaster's Guide" (Section: "Isallobaric Effects") (COMET Module) IC: Identify the main impacts of severe convection on marine winds. [TRAINING] "Winds in the Marine Boundary Layer: A Forecaster's Guide" (Section: "Severe Convection") (COMET Module) IC: Describe known model biases with respect to winds in marine environments, and how forecasters should adjust wind forecasts to account for such biases. [TRAINING] "Winds in the Marine Boundary Layer: A Forecaster's Guide" (Section: "Severe Convection") (COMET Module) Skill 1.2. Apply knowledge of sea breezes to surface wind forecasts near coastlines. "Thermally-Forced Circulation I: Sea Breezes" (COMET Module) IC: Determine if sea breezes are an important consideration for marine forecasts in your area; if "yes", when they are most likely to form. [TRAINING] "Thermally-Forced Circulation I: Sea Breezes" (Section: "Overview; Circulation") (COMET Module) IC: Describe sea breezes in terms of their typical strength and horizontal & vertical extent, and how this may influence your local marine wind forecast. [TRAINING] "Thermally-Forced Circulation I: Sea Breezes" (Section: "Overview; Circulation") (COMET Module) IC: List the primary factors leading to formation of sea breezes, and which of those factors are most important for your local area. [TRAINING] "Thermally-Forced Circulation I: Sea Breezes" (Section: "Overview; Circulation") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the most important limitations of numerical prediction models with respect to sea breezes. [TRAINING] "Thermally-Forced Circulation I: Sea Breezes" (Section: "Forecasting") (COMET Module) IC: Describe how satellite imagery can be used to help detect sea breezes, and how forecasters should incorporate this information for wind forecasts [TRAINING] "Thermally-Forced Circulation I: Sea Breezes" (Section: "Forecasting") (COMET Module) Skill 1.3. Apply knowledge of coastal jets to surface wind forecasts. Note: Where applicable (primarily U.S. west coast); related to Skill 6.2 (PCU 3). "Low-Level Coastal Jets" (COMET Module) IC: Determine if your office's area of responsibility is climatologically favored for formation of coastal jets; if not, this portion of the training (Skill 1.3) may be omitted. [TRAINING] "Low-Level Coastal Jets" (Section: "Thermal Forcing") (COMET Module) IC: Describe where coastal jets typically form, their basic physical characteristics (size and strength), and potential impacts on the marine forecast. [TRAINING] "Low-Level Coastal Jets" (Section: "Features") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the basic conditions leading to formation of coastal jets (synoptic, boundary layer, and influences of coastal topography). [TRAINING] "Low-Level Coastal Jets" (Section: "Features") (COMET Module) IC: Explain the basic thermal structure and forcing mechanisms of coastal jets (including including marine boundary layer and baroclinic aspects). [TRAINING] "Low-Level Coastal Jets" (Section: "Thermal Forcing") (COMET Module) IC: Given typical formation areas for coastal jets (e.g. California coast), identify locations of maximum / minimum wind speeds. [TRAINING] "Low-Level Coastal Jets" (Section: "Thermal Forcing") (COMET Module) IC: Describe how wind speed correlates with mesoscale variations in sea level pressure and marine boundary layer thickness. [TRAINING] "Low-Level Coastal Jets" (Section: "Thermal Forcing") (COMET Module) IC: On a synoptic scale, describe the basic structure leading to coastal jet formation at the surface and aloft (850 mb). [TRAINING] "Low-Level Coastal Jets" (Section: "Thermal Forcing") (COMET Module) IC: On the mesoscale, highlight areas prone to local wind maxima within a coastal jet. [TRAINING] "Low-Level Coastal Jets" (Section: "Forecasting") (COMET Module) Skill 1.4. Apply knowledge of the structure and climatology of "coastal trapped wind reversals" (CTWRs) to surface wind forecasts. Note: Where applicable (primarily U.S. west coast); related to Skill 6.2 (PCU 3). "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (COMET Module) IC: Determine if your office's area of responsibility is climatologically favored for CTWRs; if not, this portion of the training (Skill 1.4) may be omitted. [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Characteristics") (COMET Module) IC: Describe how (and why) key meteorological changes associated with the passage of CTWRs occur (pressure, temperature, wind). [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Characteristics") (COMET Module) IC: State typical frequency of CTWRs. [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Characteristics") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the basic vertical structure of a CTWR. [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Characteristics") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the basic synoptic-scale evolution of CTWRs (including MSLP, 850 mb, and 500 mb changes). [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Synoptic Evolution") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the influence of coastal mountain ranges on CTWRs). [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Mesoscale Evolution") (COMET Module) IC: List the key synoptic-scale indicators of potential CTWR formation. [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Forecasting") (COMET Module) IC: Describe where offshore lows typically form, with respect to low-level offshore flow. [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Forecasting") (COMET Module) IC: Describe where stratus surges typically initiate with respect to the offshore low. [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Forecasting") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the use and limitations of mesoscale numerical prediction models with respect to CTWRs. [TRAINING] "Coastally-Trapped Wind Reversals" (Section: "Forecasting") (COMET Module) Skill 1.5. Analyze and forecast surface wind in Arctic marine environments. Note: Where applicable (Arctic environments); related to Skill 3.2 (PCU 3). "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Describe the prevailing atmospheric wind patterns of the Arctic basin (as they pertain to storm system formation). [TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) Skill 1.6. Understand phenomena affecting wind patterns in Arctic maritime environments. Note: Where applicable (Arctic environments); related to Skill 3.2 (PCU 3). "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Describe the different types of sea ice, their seasonality, and significance to wind forecasts in Arctic waters. [TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Become familiar with the structure and frequency of Polar Lows in the US Arctic, as well as the known best-practice forecasting techniques. [TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Recognize the patterns and interconnections of the Arctic oscillation, and how this may influence wind forecasts in the Arctic. [TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) Skill 1.7. Elaborate as to how interactions of wind patterns and ocean currents can impact navigation at sea. Note: Where applicable (Arctic environments); related to Skill 3.2 (PCU 3). "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Describe the role of ocean currents and wind patterns with respect to boundary layer mixing and the formation of fog. [TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Explain the Arctic ocean current connections between the Atlantic and Pacific, and their effects on the formation of sea ice. [TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module)

Ability 2. Forecast waves Skill 2.1. Describe basic wave types and characteristics. "Wave Types and Characteristics" (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: List the basic wave types. [TRAINING] "Wave Types and Characteristics" (Section: "Wave Types") (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: Describe the general physical characteristics of the basic wave types, with emphasis on the most common wave types for your local forecast area. [TRAINING] "Wave Types and Characteristics" (Section: "Physical Traits") (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: Describe typical wave height range distribution (statistical wave height spectrum), and how this may influence your wave forecasts. [TRAINING] "Wave Types and Characteristics" (Section: "Statistical Traits") (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: Explain the basic concepts of swell travel (propagation and dispersion), and why they must be considered in forecasting waves for your local area. [TRAINING] "Wave Types and Characteristics" (Section: "Swell Traits") (COMET Module) Skill 2.2. Understand how wind generates waves, including the fundamental relationships between wind speed, duration, fetch length, and the concept of "fully-developed seas". "Wave Life Cycle I: Generation" (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: Describe how wind speed, fetch, and wind duration affect wave growth, and which of these (if any) are more likely to be limiting factors for wave growth in your marine forecast area. [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle I: Generation" (COMET Module) (Sections: "Wind Speed", "Fetch", and "Wind Duration") IC [CORE]: Define "dynamic fetch" and how it may impact your local wave forecast (wave height and timing). [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle I: Generation" (COMET Module) (Section: "Fetch") IC: Dynamic Fetch Case Studies (recorded file- wmv) [RESOURCE] IC [CORE]: Describe the concept of "fully developed seas", including the basic conditions necessary to attain them (with emphasis on possible limiting factors in your local forecast area). [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle I: Generation" (COMET Module) (Section: "Fully Developed Seas") Skill 2.3. Understand swell propagation and dispersion, i.e. how waves evolve as they move away from their generation area (with respect to height, period, direction, and steepness). "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: In terms of basic wave characteristics (height, period, steepness, etc.), explain how locally-developed waves ("seas" or "wind waves") differ from waves generated from a distance source ("swell"). [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Introduction") (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: State how swell propagates directionally, and why this is important to your local wave forecast. [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Propagation") (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: Describe how swell direction is affected by large barriers (e.g. islands, points, and capes), and how this may impact local wave forecasts. [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Propagation") (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: Define "swell decay" (in terms of period, height, and steepness changes). [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Dispersion") (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: Given the location of a wave source region (fetch area) and initial wave parameters (height, period, direction), state how long it will take for the associated waves to begin to affect your forecast area. [TRAINING] "Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation and Dispersion" (Section: "Dispersion") (COMET Module) Skill 2.4. Use WAVEWATCH III model data in the marine forecast. "Operational Use of WAVEWATCH III" (COMET Module) IC: Describe the types of waves predicted by WAVEWATCH III. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of WAVEWATCH III" (Section: "What Wave Models Predict") (COMET Module) IC: Interpret WAVEWATCH III "spectral plots" and apply them to local wave forecasts. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of WAVEWATCH III" (Sections: "What Wave Models Predict" and "Products") (COMET Module) IC: Identify specific wave parameters forecast by WAVEWATCH III. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of WAVEWATCH III" (Sections: "What Wave Models Predict" and "Products") (COMET Module) IC: Interpret WAVEWATCH III "spectral bulletins" and apply them to local wave forecasts. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of WAVEWATCH III" (Section: "Products") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the "spectral partitioning" capabilities in WAVEWATCH III, and why this is important to wave forecasts for your local area. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of WAVEWATCH III" (Section: "Spectral Partitioning") (COMET Module) IC: Identify primary sources of wind data as input to WAVEWATCH III, and why this is important to local/regional wind forecasts. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of WAVEWATCH III" (Section: "Model Versions") (COMET Module) IC: Describe how value can be added to wave forecasts through use of forecaster-generated NDFD winds and (where applicable) winds from specialized hurricane models. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of WAVEWATCH III" (Section: "Hurricanes") (COMET Module) Skill 2.5. Use the Nearshore Wave Prediction System (NWPS) in marine forecast operations. "Operational Use of the Nearshore Wave Prediction System (NWPS)" (OCLO/FDTD Web-based Lessons) IC: List the primary inputs to the NWPS. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of the Nearshore Wave Prediction System (NWPS), Lesson 1: NWPS Basics and Background" (FDTD Lesson) IC: Briefly describe the concepts of "discrete wave systems" and "spatial/temporal tracking" in the NWPS. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of the Nearshore Wave Prediction System (NWPS), Lesson 1: NWPS Basics and Background" (FDTD Lesson) IC: List the primary sources of error in the NWPS. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of the Nearshore Wave Prediction System (NWPS), Lesson 1: NWPS Basics and Background" (FDTD Lesson) IC: Describe how the marine forecaster should interpret "Gerling-Hanson Plots" and how they should be used in wave forecasting. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of the Nearshore Wave Prediction System (NWPS), Lesson 1: NWPS Basics and Background" (FDTD Lesson) IC: Describe how to populate wave forecast grids with output from the NWPS. [TRAINING] "Operational Use of the Nearshore Wave Prediction System (NWPS), Lesson 2: NWPS Forecast Process" (FDTD Lesson -- pending availability) Skill 2.6. Understand "North Wall" effects on winds and waves. Note: Where applicable (primarily affects U.S. east coast). "North Wall Effects on Winds and Waves" (COMET Module) IC: Identify (and describe) the synoptic pattern typically associated with "North Wall" events. [TRAINING] "North Wall Effects on Winds and Waves" (Section 2.1 "Synoptic Setting") (COMET Module) IC: List the essential oceanographic conditions which favor developement of "North Wall" events. [TRAINING] "North Wall Effects on Winds and Waves" (Section 2.2 "Oceanography") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the evolution of the Marine Boundary Layer during a cold season North Wall event, and during warm and cold advection situations. [TRAINING] "North Wall Effects on Winds and Waves" (Section: 3.3 "MBL Stability") (COMET Module) IC: List the main factors of wave growth, and the limitations of wave models to predict wave growth in North Wall events. [TRAINING] "North Wall Effects on Winds and Waves" (Section 5.5 "Wave Growth") (COMET Module) IC: Describe wave-current interactions leading to wave growth. [TRAINING] "North Wall Effects on Winds and Waves" (Section 5.6 "Wave-Current Interactions") (COMET Module) Skill 2.7. Be knowledgable of techniques for forecasting waves in Arctic marine environments (with respect to effects of sea ice and other pertinent factors). Note: Where applicable (Arctic environments); related to Skill 3.2 (PCU 3). "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Understand the definition of the sea ice edge and its importance regarding wave forecasts. [TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Explore how ocean waves (long and short period swells) interact with the sea ice edge - constructive and destructive interference. [TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Describe the significance of seasonal ice variations to wave forecasts in Arctic waters. [TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) Skill 2.8. Examine and analyze the freezing rate of sea spray and its hazard potential. Note: Where applicable (Arctic environments); related to Skill 3.2 (PCU 3). "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) IC: Describe why freezing sea spray is a threat to mariners, and summarize the conditions under which it occurs.[TRAINING] "Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography" (COMET Module) Skill 2.9. As needed, forecast wave conditions for river bars IC: Forecast wave conditions for the Columbia River Bar. [TRAINING] "Preparing Forecast Guidance for the Columbia River Bar" (WFO-developed video)

Ability 3. Understand and anticipate surf zone conditions and hazards Skill 3.1. Understand how wave behavior changes near coastlines (shallow water wave behavior). Related to Skill 3.3 (PCU 3). "Shallow Water Waves" (COMET Module) IC [CORE]: Define "shoaling", "refraction", and "reflection", and what impacts each may have on waves at or near your coastline. [TRAINING] "Shallow Water Waves" (Section: "Shallow-Water Wave Effects") (COMET Module) IC: North Central Gulf Coast Shallow Water Wave Processes and a Local WFO High Surf Forecast Program (NWS Southern Region and WFO Mobile). [RESOURCE] IC: Identify common breaker types. [TRAINING] "Shallow Water Waves" (Section: "Breakers") (COMET Module) IC: Describe how waves and currents interact. [TRAINING] "Shallow Water Waves" (Section: Wave-Current Interactions") (COMET Module) IC: Define "wave run-up" and "wave set-up". [TRAINING] "Shallow Water Waves" (Section: "Coastal Effects") (COMET Module) Skill 3.2. Understand fundamental concepts of rip currents, including near-shore circulation (and associated terminology, characteristics, and forcing mechanisms). Related to Skill 7.3 (PCU 3). "Rip Currents: Nearshore Fundamentals" (COMET Module) IC: Describe the various zones, bathymetry features, and currents in the nearshore environment. [TRAINING] "Rip Currents: Nearshore Fundamentals" (Section: "Nearshore Terminology and Circulation") (COMET Module) IC: Describe shallow water / nearshore wave and circulation processes. [TRAINING] "Rip Currents: Nearshore Fundamentals" (Section: "Rip Currents") (COMET Module) IC: Describe rip current characteristics and forcing mechanisms. [TRAINING] "Rip Currents: Nearshore Fundamentals" (Section: "Rip Currents") (COMET Module) Skill 3.3. Understand how rip currents form (with emphasis on factors most important to the forecaster's local area) and how to apply observed/model data to help anticipate the risk of rip current formation. "Rip Currents: Forecasting" (COMET Module) IC: Describe the primary factors contributing to rip currents. [TRAINING] "Rip Currents: Forecasting" (Section: "Rip Current Forecast Process") (COMET Module) IC: Given wave data, determine whether wave masking is occurring and what the appropriate swell or wave components are to assess rip currents. [TRAINING] "Rip Currents: Forecasting" (Section: "Analyzing Swell: Wave Model Data") (COMET Module) IC: Explain how factors other than swell and wind waves can alter rip currents. [TRAINING] "Rip Currents: Forecasting" (Section: "Other Factors") (COMET Module)

Ability 4. Understand and forecast marine weather hazards and other significant phenomena Skill 4.1. Understand basic concepts of fog formation in marine environments IC: Describe how climate data can be applied to the marine forecast process. [TRAINING] "Assessing Climatology in Fog/Stratus Forecasting" (Section: "Climatology Applications") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the differences in synoptic and marine boundary layer environments for advection fog, steam fog, and (primarily for west coast WFOs) "west coast" fog. [TRAINING] "Dynamically Forced Fog" (Section: "Concepts") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the relationship of sea surface temperature (and local variations in sea surface temperature) to fog formation for advection fog, steam fog, and (for west coast WFOs) "west coast" fog. [TRAINING] "Dynamically Forced Fog" (Section: "Concepts") (COMET Module) IC: Describe the importance of subtropical high pressure systems in the formation of advection fog. [TRAINING] "Dynamically Forced Fog" (Section: "Concepts") (COMET Module) IC: Determine whether your forecast area of responsibility is climatologically favored for advection fog. [TRAINING] "Dynamically Forced Fog" (Section: "Concepts") (COMET Module) IC: Describe how coastal jets affect fog formation and dissipation. [TRAINING] "Dynamically Forced Fog" (Section: "Mesoscale Factors") (COMET Module) IC: Describe how sea breezes affect fog formation and dissipation. [TRAINING] "Dynamically Forced Fog" (Section: "Mesoscale Factors") (COMET Module) IC: List at least four critical atmospheric fields to monitor in plan view when forecasting fog. [TRAINING] "Dynamically Forced Fog" (Section: "Forecasting DFF") (COMET Module) IC: Explain the limitations of numerical weather prediction models in fog forecasting. [TRAINING] "Dynamically Forced Fog" (Section: "Forecasting DFF") (COMET Module) IC: Demonstrate ability to assess potential for fog formation (and intensity and duration) by applying observational data (in-situ and remote) and common forecast tools. [TRAINING] "Applying Diagnostic Tools: Forecasting Fog and Low Stratus" ("Advection Fog Case", "Radiation Fog Case", and "Summary of Tools") (COMET Module) IC: Marine Fog Forecasting (Joint Environment Canada-NWS Recorded Webinar) [RESOURCE] Skill 4.2. Understand basic concepts of coastal Flooding and Storm Surge. (Training Needed: PNS # 13-ME52) IC: List and describe the primary causes of coastal flooding with respect to tropical and extratropical cyclones. [TRAINING] IC: Identify geographical areas most prone to tropical and extratropical storm surge. [TRAINING] IC: Define key terminology associated with surge (e.g. "storm surge," "storm tide," "total water level," etc.). [TRAINING] IC: Describe the role of astronomic tides (i.e. normal ocean tide cycle) with respect to surge. [TRAINING] IC: Identify appropriate numerical weather prediction tools and guidance sources for surge, including their principal strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. [TRAINING] IC: Understand how to interpret extratropical storm surge model guidance. [TRAINING] Skill 4.3. Understand basic concepts of convection in Marine Environments. (Training Needed: PNS # 13-ME47) IC: List and describe the primary hazards (direct and indirect) to mariners associated with convective storms in marine environments. [TRAINING] IC: Describe the importance of the marine boundary layer and sea surface temperatures as contributing factors to development, or modification, of convective storms in marine environments. [TRAINING] IC: Describe the importance of the major ocean current systems (e.g. Gulf Stream) with respect to their effects on convective development / modification. [TRAINING] Skill 4.4. Understand basic concepts of tsunamis. "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Describe the primary ways in which tsunamis are formed. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Explain the importance of "depth" (beneath the ocean floor) with respect to tsunami formation. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Identify (on a global map) the major oceanic tsunami source regions. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Explain in basic terms how the NWS Tsunami Warning Centers INITIALLY detect the potential for tsunami formation. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Explain the primary methods by which a tsunami is actually detected and measured, both in the open ocean and at the shoreline. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Indicate a typical range of wavelengths and amplitudes for tsunamis in deep water. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Explain why a tsunami is a "series of waves", and why the initial wave is not typically the largest (highest amplitude). [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: State the approximate speed at which tsunamis travel in deep water. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Given a tsunami source location and destination, estimate the approximate arrival time for the initial tsunami wave. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Describe how tsunami wavelength, amplitude, and speed change as they transition from deep water to shallower water. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Define "run-up". [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Define "inundation zone". [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module) IC: Explain the importance of tsunami-induced currents in harbors, bays, and other coastal waterways, and associated potential hazards as a result of these currents. [TRAINING] "Tsunamis" (COMET Module)