Atmospheric analysis

Blooms of hazardous cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in rivers, lakes and reservoirs can cause problems for both animal and human health.

The greenhouse effect is a warming of the earth's surface and lower atmosphere caused by substances which let the sun's energy through to the ground but impede the passage of energy from the earth back into space.

All aspects of the climate of Canterbury are dominated by the influence of the Southern Alps on the prevailing westerly airflows.

How do agricultural activities potentially influence water flows?

Floods are not unusual in New Zealand, but those that hit us early this winter broke records. Why did they occur? Should we expect more? Can we predict future floods?

Māori have an extensive knowledge of the ecology of freshwater eels, and have maintained their customary fisheries for several centuries.

Hydrocarbons, although requiring increasingly responsible use, are still an essential part of our modern economy. NIWA has provided survey and consultancy services related to the exploration of offshore mineral resources for thirty years.

The condition of many NZ lakes is under threat from land-use changes and the invasion of alien aquatic plants.

A basket star was the first reported animal trawled up from the deep sea back in the early 1800s so they have a spot in the history books of deep ocean exploration.

Plants and trees along the water margins and banks are called riparian vegetation.

Hydro-electricity is a renewable energy source that relies on the inflow of water into storage lakes upstream of a dam.