SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Analyse basic meteorological circulations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246539  Analyse basic meteorological circulations 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Weather 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard will be useful for learners that are interested in how general circulation of the atmosphere works. The person credited with this Unit Standard will have knowledge on the various meteorological weather patterns and systems that affect South Africa and the Southern Hemisphere as a whole.

A person credited with this Unit Standard will be able to:
  • Explain how the earth's surface affects the various meteorological weather patterns.
  • Interpret different weather systems in relation to air mass differences.
  • Interpret different weather systems in mid-latitude regions.
  • Interpret different weather systems in tropical regions.
  • Explain general circulation patterns and climate regions of South Africa.
  • Depict and analyse basic meteorological data in the Southern Hemisphere. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Unit Standard Title-Explain Basic Meteorological Concepts. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain how the earth's surface affects the various meteorological weather patterns. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    This may include the planetary boundary layer, the heat budget and the effect of topography on the wind. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The planetary boundary layer is explained in relation to the effect on meteorology. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This may include the mixed layer, the residual layer, and the nocturnal stable boundary layer.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effects of the various surface types are explained in relation to the heat budget. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The position and large scale topographic effects of South Africa are explained in relation to resultant wind flow. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This may include berg winds, land and sea breezes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effects of local topography are explained with regard to local wind flow. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This includes katabatic and anabatic winds, föhn winds, land and sea breezes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Interpret different weather systems in relation to air mass differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of air masses is explained in relation to the global differences in temperature and humidity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air masses are restricted to the different source regions in the Southern Hemisphere.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The development of frontal systems is explained in relation to adjacent air masses of different properties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This may include warm, cold, stationary and occluded fronts and the life cycle of frontal development.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The flow around high and low pressure systems is explained with reference to the Coriolis force. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The flow refers to both southern and northern hemispheres.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Basic synoptic weather patterns as depicted on synoptic charts are interpreted with references to air masses and frontal systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This is limited to a southern hemisphere representation.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Interpret different weather systems in mid-latitude regions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Emphasis is placed on Southern Hemispheric circulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The general weather patterns are interpreted in relation to the position of Southern Africa. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The general weather patterns may include but are not limited to the Indian and Atlantic highs and the Kalahari heat low.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The rain producing systems are interpreted in relation to the weather patterns affecting South Africa. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The rain producing systems may include both summer and winter circulations and the effect of jet streams and vorticity.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The coastal low effect is explained in relation to the topography of South Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The development and effect of cut-off lows is explained in relation to the rainfall of South Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Severe storms are interpreted in the context of single and multi cell development and related effects. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Related effects include but are not limited to hail, gust fronts, turbulence, up and down drafts and tornadoes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Interpreted different weather systems in tropical regions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is interpreted in relation to the seasonal shift of weather patterns. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Trade winds are explained in relation to the trade wind inversion and resulting weather patterns. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Trade winds refer to tropical easterlies.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Monsoon weather is interpreted in relation to their movement and impact. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The life cycle of tropical cyclones is interpreted in relation to their movement and impact. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tropical cyclone movement is limited to the South West Indian Ocean Basin.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain general circulation patterns and climate regions of South Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    General Circulation of Africa is interpreted in relation to the seasonal shift in weather patterns. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    General Circulation may include but is not limited to the summer and winter air mass positions over Africa, the different positions of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the different positions of the Interocean Convergence Zone (IOCZ).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The South African weather patterns are explained in relation to the El Niño and La Nina events. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The El Niño and La Nina events refer to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The climate regions of South Africa are explained with reference to weather and vegetation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The climate regions refer to the twenty four climate regions of South Africa and related seasonal rainfall patterns.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The climate of specific regions of South Africa is explained in terms of rainfall and temperature. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Depict and analyse basic meteorological data in the Southern Hemisphere. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Land based synoptic reports are hand plotted according to World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Plotted ship and buoy data for the Southern Hemisphere are identified and decoded according to World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pressure values are analysed and interpreted to indicate current isobaric weather patterns as found on South African surface synoptic maps. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Temperature values are analysed and interpreted to indicate current isotherm patterns as found on South African surface synoptic maps. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • The assessor assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must have a BSc degree (NQF 6) in Meteorology or equivalent Qualification.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or will assess this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant Qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The learner must be able to communicate and understand basic scientific language. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems when depicting and interpreting basic meteorological data. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others to be able to obtain the required meteorological data. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information in order to depict and interpret basic meteorological data. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively the meteorological circulation as depicted on the weather map. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology to capture and process basic meteorological data. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems where incorrect interpretation of basic meteorological data leads to invaluable weather information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economical development of society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58995   National Certificate: Weather Observation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. South African Weather Service 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.