The report attempts to answer basic questions regarding the feasibility of reproducing in an engineering model the surge phenomenon that at various times occurs in Monterey Harbor, California. A fairly extensive discussion is devoted to wind and wave climate prevailing in and near Monterey Bay. Sea and swell data are summarized for the deep-water vicinity-area and for Monterey Bay itself. Monterey Harbor tends to be quite well protected from the longer period swells. Statistical data for the occurrence of long-period waves at three sensor positions are examined and compared with similar-type data for Santa Cruz Harbor and for Half Moon Bay Harbor. The oscillating characteristics of Monterey Bay are examined from several points of view. A detailed study is made of the manner of propagation of long period waves into Monterey Bay. Attention is given to the question whether the surge phenomenon in Monterey Harbor is the consequence of surf-beats or of genuine long-period waves.