This module provides an introduction to the European continent and the Mediterranean and Black Sea areas for weather forecasters. It focuses on geography, climatology, oceanography, major aspects of the synoptic and mesoscale weather patterns, and hazards to aviation and maritime operations.
Geography covers major political boundaries, cities, ports, topographical features, rivers, and volcanic areas.
Climatology covers the seasonal climatology of jet stream, synoptic weather systems, extratropical cyclones, and high winds and seas.
Oceanography includes major bathymetric features; mean sea surface temperature, salinity and currents; tidal ranges, sea ice, and water clarity.
After completing this instruction, the learner will be able to do the following:
Geography and Topography of Europe, the Mediterranean and Black Sea areas
On a map, locate and identify the following:
Countries and major cities
Mountain ranges and plains
Islands
Major volcanic and seismically active areas (including tsunami risk)
Major rivers
Major bays and ports
Major inland water bodies
Oceanography and Bathymetry of the marginal seas in the region, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea
With the aid of a map, do the following:
Identify and locate major oceans, seas, trenches, and straits
Describe the bathymetry of the oceans and seas
Locate and describe ocean currents
Identify areas of sea ice
Locate areas with large and small tidal ranges
Identify significant ocean fronts, eddies, sea surface temperatures, and water clarity on satellite imagery and ocean models.
General Climatology of the Mediterranean and Black Sea
Describe the seasonal climatology of jet streams and synoptic patterns
Describe the North African Cyclone (Atlas Low)
Describe the Genoa Low
Describe the Cyprus Low
Describe the Azores High
Wind Regimes
Identify the synoptic patterns associated with high winds and seas (12 feet or greater/gale and storm force winds).
Identify the synoptic patterns conducive to the formation and cessation of mesoscale wind systems, including the following wind regimes:
Mistral
Levante
Bora
Etesian
Sirocco
Foehn
Hazards to Aviation
Describe the spatial and seasonal occurrence of:
Visibility
Turbulence (including orographic winds)
Sand storms/dust
Volcanic ash
Hazards to Maritime Operations:
Describe the spatial and seasonal occurrence of:
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