Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
- different types of weather maps, forecasts, current weather and environmental event information that are available
- trusted sources and technologies used to access weather and environmental event information
- methods used to predict and record weather conditions
- characteristics of different map types and their different uses:
- mean sea level pressure analysis
- synoptic charts
- forecast charts
- marine wind forecasts
- symbols and colours used on weather maps, what they represent, and associated weather conditions:
- cyclones
- anti-cyclones
- isobars
- depressions
- troughs
- ridges
- fronts – cold, warm, stationary, occluded
- precipitation type and intensity - drizzle, rain, hail, sleet, snow
- wind speed and direction
- sky, cloud cover
- temperature
- difference between current weather conditions and current forecast
- different cloud types, altitude range and effects on ground weather:
- cirrus
- stratus
- cumulus
- nimbus
- cumulonimbus
- for a particular region or locality:
- the general seasonal patterns of weather and environmental events to include:
- temperature
- humidity
- precipitation
- winds of different types, strengths and directions, common wind chill factors and how these are ascertained
- storms
- lightning
- cyclones
- floods
- bush fires
- droughts
- tides and currents, as relevant
- difference between large scale and localised weather conditions and forecasts
- different topography and landforms present, and effects on local weather
- hazards associated with local weather conditions and environmental events, including those which are life threatening, (e.g. storms, lightning, cyclones, floods, tides, currents, bush fires, droughts)
- specific to the particular type of outdoor recreation activity:
- particular weather conditions and weather hazards which affect operations
- particular hazardous environmental events which affect operations
- adjustments that can be made to provide for the safety and wellbeing of participants
- when conditions are so extreme that activities must be abandoned
- how the following can be used to estimate probable changing weather conditions and onset timelines:
- wind and direction
- temperature
- sky colour, cloud type and coverage.