Atmosphere

World class research contributing to our understanding of greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, and urban air pollution.

MethaneSAT

Detecting and quantifying methane emissions by satellite. The core mission of this unique satellite is to support reductions in methane emissions around the world, primarily by reducing leaks from oil and gas production. NIWA's Dr Sara Mikaloff Fletcher is leading a science programme to develop capability to map agricultural emissions and determine the best places for the satellite to look for methane emissions around the world.

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    Tonga volcano “afterglow” causes dazzling skies in Antarctica

    Media release
    06 June 2017
    Antarctica is experiencing stunning skyscapes like those recently seen in New Zealand, thanks to the afterglow effect from the Tongan volcano.
    Antarctica
    Atmosphere
    Climate and weather

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    Storms and cyclones

    Education Resource
    Common questions about storms and cyclones in New Zealand.

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    Climate change, global warming and greenhouse gases

    Climate data and common terms explaining the causes and effects of climate change.
    Atmosphere
    Climate change
    Greenhouse and trace gases

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    Smart Rain Intensity Gauge - NIWA SRIG

    Coasts
    Oceans
    Data loggers

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    All-sky - Lauder

    All-Sky images

    The all-sky image shows a hemispheric view of the sky at Lauder.

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    What do 'carbon neutral' and 'carbon footprint' mean?

    A carbon neutral activity is one that has a carbon footprint of zero.

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    Lauder Atmospheric Research Station

    UVI forecast for Specific Sites

    Check out UV index forecasts for locations in New Zealand (including ski fields), Australia, the Pacific and Antarctica.
    UV and ozone
    Weather forecasting

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    What are greenhouse gases?

    Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that intercept long-wave (mainly infrared) radiation emitted from the Earth's surface.

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    NOAA Satellite data

    Like the GMS satellite, the NOAA Series of polar orbiting satellites (operated by NOAA, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) are a component of the World Weather Watch meteorological satellite network.
    Atmosphere

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    UV Index at Leigh - 17 October 2023

    Today's UV Index

    Today's UV Index
    UV and ozone

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    What are ppm and ppb?

    PPM and PPB are units used in atmospheric chemistry to describe the concentration of gases.

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    UVI at Lauder

    Real-time UV Index displays

    NIWA has developed a real time UV display in consultation with the Cancer Society and Sunsmart. The first prototype is currently installed at the new Molyneux Aquatic centre in Alexandra.
    UV and ozone