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Port of Toulon (France) - Port Information (ID: 35485)
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TOULON.htm Toulon France France Toulon Port Information Selections Port Map Geographic Location Harbor as Haven Currents and Tides Visibility Hazardous Conditions Spring Summer Autumn Winter Protective or Mitigating Measures Moving to a new Anchorage Sortie or Remain in Port Scheduling Harbor Protection Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Wind Chill Table Heat Index Table Return To Ports List Untitled Document Geographic Location Geographic Location Coordinates: 43deg/07min N 05deg/54min E Toulon is situated about 28 n mi east-southeast of Marseille near the eastern limit of the Gulf of Lion The port is well protected from winds and waves from all directions except east through southeast. The port is considered safe during Mistral winds and leaving the harbor to evade the Mistral winds is not recommended. The port is positioned on the north and northeastern sides of a small body of water named Petite Rade (Small Roadstead) which is situated at the head of Grande Rade de Toulon (Large Roadstead of Toulon). A 3/4 n milong breakwater forms the western side of Grande Rade de Toulon and separates it from Petite Rade. This protects the inner harbor from open ocean waves. Landmarks identifiable from seaward are limited, but Tour duMourillon, a seven-storied square building located in the southern part of Toulon can be easily seen. The Port of Toulon is well protected by terrain on all sides except east-southeast. Harbor as Haven Harbor as Haven The inner harbor at Toulon is well protected and considered safe during storm conditions from any direction. The outer harbor is exposed to the effects of southeasterly winds and waves but is only minimally affected by westerly Mistral winds. With a few exceptions, the nearby terrain is mostly low-lying, so the portis exposed to winds from nearly all directions. However, strong winds usuallyemanate from only two primary sectors, west to northwest and east tosoutheast. Because of the surrounding terrain, fetch length is extremelylimited for all directions except southeast. The most significant problems at Toulon are created by east to southeasterlywinds and resultant waves. Extreme wind velocities have reached force 9(41-47 kt), with waves to 16 ft at the anchorage. Offshore in the open sea,waves can reach 40 ft. Mistral conditions, with west to northwest winds as strong as force 11 (56-63 kt), are the strongest winds that typically occur at the port. Thelack of fetch limits wave generation which allows most operations to continue within the harbor. The maximum Mistral wind speed at Toulon is typically about 60% of the wind speed over the open sea to the south of Marseille. The outer harbor has a sand bottom with excellent holding properties. Thebottom of the inner harbor is mud of unspecified holding quality. Currents and Tides Currents and Tides Currents in the approaches to the Port of Toulon are weak and irregular, generally following the direction of the wind. Because winds from seawardhave a greater influence on the sea, currents with a westerly set are more frequent than east moving currents and are strongest near the coast. Tides are insignificant at Toulon, with a maximum rise of only 7 inches. Visibility Visibility Fog is at a maximum during early mornings in the warm season. Reduced visibility is common after Mistral-induced upwelling occurs in the coastal waters. Even then, prevailing visibility is still near 5 mi so port operations are not adversely affected. Visibility has been severely restricted only once or twice in 18 years. Hazardous Conditions: Spring Hazardous Conditions: Spring As is typical for other ports in the northern Mediterranean Basin, the spring season brings periods of stormy winter-type weather that alternateswith false starts of summer-type weather. Mistral events continue throughthe season, alternating with east to southeast winds associated withtransient low pressure systems passing south of Toulon or located in theGulf of Genoa. Strong east to southeast winds are uncommon by the end of theseason. Precipitation is common through mid-March, and is usually associated withtransient extratropical storm systems or the cold front which precedes the Mistral. Precipitation still occurs after mid-March, but the frequencyof occurrence and monthly totals gradually decrease through May. Sea breezes become evident on warm days late in the season. Seldom exceedingforce 2 (4-6 kt), the sea breeze direction usually 'follows the sun,'changing from easterly in the morning to westerly in the afternoon assurrounding hillsides are warmed by the sun. Temperatures moderate gradually throughout the season but wind chill remainsa factor during Mistral winds until late in the season. Hazardous Conditions: Summer Hazardous Conditions: Summer The summer season is one of warm temperatures and relatively dry and settledweather along the south coast of France. Although cold outbreaks continue tobring Mistral conditions to Toulon, they are less strong and not as frequentas during winter and spring. The extratropical storm track has moved well north of the Mediterranean Basin by summer, so extratropical cyclones and associated wind and weatherare not common. Daily sea breezes reaching force 2 (4-6 kt) are the rule, with the direction following the sun as the hillsides of the terrain surrounding the port are heated. Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Hazardous Conditions: Autumn The transitional season of autumn is brief, usually lasting only for the month of October, and is characterized by an abrupt change to winter-typeweather. Mistral frequency starts to increase, with strong events uncommon but possible. East to southeasterly winds, accompanied by precipitation, beginto occur more frequently as the extratropical storm track moves southward tothe northern Mediterranean region. Temperatures decrease significantly by the end of the month, but wind chillis not usually a problem until winter. Hazardous Conditions: Winter Hazardous Conditions: Winter The winter season at Toulon is marked by cool temperatures, precipitation,and periods of strong winds. Although Toulon is near the eastern limit ofthat portion of the southern coast of France normally affected by theMistral, the port experiences Mistral winds on an average of 146 days peryear. They are a routine wintertime occurrence. The Mistral is a wind with adirection between 280 deg and 360 deg and with a speed of 10 kt (5 m/s) ormore. Both criteria have to be met for at least 6 consecutive hours.A Mistral period is considered as terminated if either the speed criterion,or the direction criterion, or both are violated for a time interval of6 hours or more. There is no generally agreed lower limit to the speed of a wind which maybe described as a Mistral, but force 5 (17-21 kt) is frequently experienced,gale force (34-40 kt) is not uncommon, and force 11 (56-63 kt) isoccasionally reached. Gradually increasing in intensity and frequency ofoccurrence, Mistral events are strongest and most frequent during Februaryto April, after which there is a gradual decrease. Records for Toulon forthe years 1951-1980 show a maximum velocity of 105 kt (54 m/s) was attainedin January 1951. Generally, the effect of the Mistral on port operations isminimal. A diurnal variation in the intensity of the Mistral results inmaximum wind strengths occurring during the afternoon at Toulon and othercoastal stations. Note: This is contrary to what occurs over the sea wheremaximum winds tend to occur at night. The air-sea temperature difference is an important factor in Mistralstrength. Winds are stronger when the air is much colder than the coastalwater temperature. Winds will decrease after upwelling (caused by the offshore component of the wind) brings cooler water to the surface. The Mistral is sometimes referred to as 'Soufflet Blanc' (White Wind) becauseit is usually accompanied by clear skies. East to southeasterly winds are a greater problem to the port. Occurring about 86 days per year at Toulon, they are most common during winter and early spring. Sometimes called 'Soufflet Noir' (Black Wind) because they are associated with dark, cloudy skies and rain, the winds reach force 9 (41-47 kt) and can be accompanied by 16 ft waves at the anchorage. Winds from the southeast are usually caused by an easterly tracking lowpressure center passing south of Toulon, or with a quasistationary low inthe Gulf of Genoa. In the latter case, the configuration of the landmasseast of Toulon (i.e. mountains, cliffs along the coast) induces ananticyclonic curvature to the circulation on the west side of the low,creating an easterly wind which enters the port. The wind is usuallystronger than the pressure gradient indicates. Conditions in the anchoragemight dictate leaving the port for more protected waters (such as Marseille),but ships in the inner harbor should remain rather than attempt to evade. A wind warning is issued for Toulon when force 6 (22-27 kt) or greater winds are occurring or forecast. Such warnings are disseminated via VHF channel 16, Marseille radio, and over 20 telephone lines at the weather bureau. The rainy season at Toulon lasts from about 15 January through 15 March, with most of the precipitation occurring during east to southeasterly flow. During northeast to southeast winds, a foehn effect keeps Marseilledry while Toulon will get rain. When clouds approach from the southwest, rain will start first at Marseille, but reach Toulon in 3 hours or so. The Mistral is usually accompanied by clear skies, but the cold front which precedes the Mistral may bring rain (or possibly snow) and violent squalls. Where there is high ground near the coast, such as at Baie deCiotat between Toulon and Marseille, violent squalls may be felt in the lee. Winter temperatures can reach into the low 30's F and colder. When the lowtemperatures are combined with wind, the resultant wind chill can be quitecold, and personnel working in exposed locations must take appropriateprecautions. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage The anchorage located southeast of Stalingrad Quay is usable in Mistralconditions and moving to a new anchorage is not recommended. An aircraftcarrier was able to anchor without difficulty about 3/4 n mi southeast ofthe Quay in winds approaching 50 kt. Small boats were able to make runs tothe fleet landing at Stalingrad Quay during the Mistral because wind speedsare typically lower near the shore and the fetch is too short to allow wavesof significant height to develop. Local reports indicate that much strongerwinds are normally being experienced 1-3 n mi offshore. East to southeast winds pose a far greater hazard to ships at the anchoragethan does the Mistral. Waves to 16 ft are possible at the anchorage in astrong event. If strong east to southeast winds are forecast, moving to amore protected anchorage should be considered. Marseille is more shelteredand might be considered the better anchorage under such conditions. However,anchoring in Rade de Marseille is not recommended because it does notprovide adequate protection from strong east winds in winter nor duringfrequent changes of wind conditions. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Due to the protection provided by the surrounding countryside and thebreakwater, the inner harbor is considered a safe haven. Sorties are notrequired to evade commonly encountered high winds or waves. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling While the inner harbor and anchorage are considered safe during Mistralconditions, inbound and outbound vessels should schedule their arrival ordeparture to avoid the strongest winds. Consequently, an early morningevolution is recommended since the Mistral winds are strongest at coastalstations during the afternoon. No such diurnal variation has been reportedfor east to southeast winds. Harbor Protection Harbor Protection Wind and weather: the inner harbor at Toulon is considered to be well protected on all sides except the east-southeast. However, during periodsof strong east to southeast winds, ships in port should remain rather thanattempt to evade storm conditions. Vessels experience minimal problemspassing through the entrance to the inner harbor in strong southeasterlywinds. The outer harbor and anchorage is not as well protected as the inner harbor,and the forecast of strong winds from east to southeast is cause to considermoving to a more protected anchorage. Marseille is more sheltered from eastand southeast winds and also tends to have better weather during such flowpatterns. Mistral winds do not materially affect harbor operations. Even in a strongMistral, with winds approaching 50 kt, past experience has shown that anaircraft carrier found safe anchorage about 3/4 n mi southeast of StalingradQuay. Small boats were able to make runs to/from the fleet landing and theanchored carrier with no difficulty during one such experience. Waves: Due to lack of fetch, Mistral winds do not produce significant wavesin Toulon harbor, with waves at the anchorage limited to about 3 ft. Buteast to southeast winds can generate large waves at the anchorage, withreported events of 16 ft waves during winds of force 9 (41-47 kt). Some ofthe wave energy will refract around the breakwater and into the inner harbor,but the resultant waves should not cause serious problems for vessels mooredalongside the inner harbor piers. Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Local Hazardous Weather Conditions The Port of Toulon is relatively well protected from the effects of severeweather, but since conditions can change rapidly, it is advisable to beaware of potential changes. The following guidelines have been extractedfrom various sources, including on-site interviews, and are intended toprovide the insight necessary to enable the meteorologist to betterunderstand the various phenomena that affect the Port of Toulon. Since theMistral is more extensively documented than other phenomena affectingToulon, much of the following addresses the Mistral. While some of theMistral guidelines do not apply directly to Toulon, they are includedbecause of the possibility that the Mistral winds will spread eastward toToulon once they are established in the more western portions of the Gulfof Lion. Causes: The Mistral is the result of a combination of the following factors: (a) The basic circulation that creates a pressure gradient from westto east along the coast of southern France. This pressure gradient is normally associated with Genoa cyclogenesis. (b) A fall wind effect caused by cold air associated with the Mistral moving downslope as it approaches the southern coast of France and thus increasing the wind speed. (c) A jet-effect wind increase caused by the orographic configurationof the coastline. This phenomenon is observed at the entrance to majormountain gaps such as the Carcassone Gap, Rhone Valley, and Durance Valley. It is also observed in the Strait of Bonifacio between Corsicaand Sardinia. (d) A wind increase over the open water resulting from the reductionin the braking effect of surface friction (as compared to the braking effect over land). Mistrals are observed in association with three particular upper level (500 mb) large-scale flow patterns. These flow patterns are classified astypes a, b, and c. Type a. A blocking ridge in the eastern Atlantic and a long-wave trough over Europe produces a strong northwesterly flow over westernFrance. This is a meridional flow situation. Type b. A blocking ridge extends northeastward from the eastern Atlantic over northern Europe and a low pressure belt covers the Mediterranean. Meridional flow predominates. Type c. A series of depressions dominates the European mid-latitudes,and westerly winds prevail over the Mediterranean. This is azonal-flow situation. Onset: In association with a type a large-scale flow pattern: (a) Forecast the start of a Mistral within 48 hr when a surface frontal trough is located just south of Iceland and is backed by an extremely strong surge of cold air to the east of Greenland. (Note: the long-wave ridge axis is west of Iceland. This rule is biased toward established rather than developing patterns). (b) Forecast the start of a Mistral within 24 hr when the frontal and 500 mb short-wave troughs extend across southern (or southeastern) England and the Bay of Biscay, and the short-wave ridge is located over Spain and France. (Note: the long-wave ridge axis is west of Iceland. This rule is biased toward established rather than developing patterns). (c) A Mistral will occur if the 500 mb winds over England or Irelandare northwesterly 50 kt or more. (d) A Mistral will start when the 500 mb short-wave arrives over Perpignan. A Mistral is likely to occur with a type a situation when: (1) the long wave trough is over or just past the south coast of France; and (2) a northwesterly (west through north-northeast) current with maximum speed of at least 50 kt at 500 mb is oriented so that it points toward the Gulfof Lion. In association with a type b large-scale flow pattern, forecast the startof a Mistral in 24 hr when: (1) The 500 mb trough moves over or just south of the south coast ofFrance; and (2) The associated surface low appears in or near the Gulf of Genoa. In association with a type c large-scale flow pattern: (a) Forecast the start of a Mistral within 48 hr when (1) A surface frontal trough and upper short-wave trough are 24 deg of longitude to the west of the Gulf of Lion, (2) The short-wave ridge is 12 deg west, and (3) Both are progressing at a speed of 12 deg per day. (Note: the 'Rule of Thumb' in this case is that these short-wave ridges and troughs replace each other in 24 hr, i.e., there is a tendency toward a 48 hr periodicity of frontal systems movinginto France as long as the high-index circulation is maintained. Mistrals in this situation must be short-lived.) (b) Forecast the start of a Mistral within 24 hr when the surface and 500 mb short-wave troughs extend from the Irish Sea southward over Portugal, and the short-wave ridge is over southern France. (Note: the pattern is poorly defined in this high-index situation.) (c) A Mistral will occur if a deepening 500 mb trough moves over thesouth coast of France and is followed by a 500 mb ridge building at about the longitude of Ireland and Spain. (d) A Mistral will start when a northwesterly jet stream arrives over the Bay of Biscay. Review the Regional Forecasting Aids for the Mediterranean BasinHandbook (NAVENVPREDRSCHFAC TR 80-10) for synoptic situations and forecasting aids. Toulon is situated about 28 n mi east-southeast of Marseille near the eastern limit of the Gulf of Lion The port is well protected from winds and wave Port of Toulon (France) - Port Information