Atmospheric analysis

 
It is possible for a user to specify a “private” SST analysis area for any region within our standard processing coverage area, in addition to our standard area SST analyses for the New Zealand region, which are available to all users.
These analyses are private in the sense that:
They are linked directly to a particular registered username.
Users cannot see private areas which are not linked to their username.
Usually, a free cloud cover analysis will be provided for each private area. A user may define as many private areas as they wish.

 
If a long time series of SSTs exists for some location, then it is possible to estimate what the “normal” SST for that location is. Often this will be expressed as a series of numbers, perhaps one for each month of the year.
Using a very large dataset of satellite SST observations, NIWA scientists have computed estimates of the mean monthly SST for every location over the standard coverage area.

 
The Japan Meteorological Agency [ www.kishou.go.jp/english ] operates the Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (GMS), a component of the World Weather Watch meteorological satellite network. (Full-size image, 40K)
The GMS-5 Satellite
GMS is in geostationary orbit 36000 km above the Earth’s surface, meaning that its orbital period is the same as the time it takes for the Earth to rotate once on its axis. This means the satellite appears to be stationary with respect to some place on Earth – for GMS this is over the equator at 140°E, north of Australia.

Frequently asked questions about WAIORA

WAIORA is a decision-support system designed to provide guidance on whether a water abstraction or discharge could have adverse impacts on a number of environmental parameters.

LakeSPI (pronounced ‘Lake Spy’) provides a quick and cost-effective tool for monitoring lake condition.

1. How do I get a copy of the MEC?
Ministry for the Environment (MfE) has distributed copies of the MEC to all levels of national and local government, as well as to government departments and agencies. If you work for one of those agencies, then you will have a copy; check with your IT department. Otherwise, copies of the DVD can be obtained from Kirsty Johnston at MfE ([email protected]).
2. What are the system requirements for the MEC?
The MEC is delivered as GIS layers in ESRI shapefile and grid format.

The Marine Environment Classification (MEC), a GIS-based environmental classification of the marine environment of the New Zealand region, is an ecosystem-based spatial framework designed for marine management purposes.

These guides are designed for rapid identification of freshwater flora and fauna, usually to the generic level, for use in biomonitoring.

Styela clava at Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand.

The first line of defense in the fight against aquatic weed invasions is public awareness and the ability to tackle weeds before they get out of hand – at the first sign of a new plant, rather than a total infestation.