On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

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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  • Link to source page

    Community Observation Networks for Air (CONA): previous projects

    CONA studies in Rangiora in 2015-17 and Alexandra in 2018 have proven that the technologies and methodologies used provide valuable data to support mitigation efforts by local authorities.
    Air quality

  • Link to source page

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    DeepWave project measures gravity waves in the atmosphere

    News article
    03 July 2014
    One hundred people, a Gulfstream jet, some of the best technology available and two scientists in a paddock are undertaking an experiment that will make predicting the weather a lot more accurate.

  • Link to source page

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    Southern Alps focus for large international science experiment

    News article
    06 June 2014
    NIWA scientists are this month taking a significant role in one of the largest science experiments to take place in New Zealand.

  • Link to source page

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    Too much or not enough? Spotlight goes on UV research

    News article
    11 April 2014
    Scientists, dermatologists, skin cancer experts and health professionals are among those meeting in Auckland next week to discuss the latest research into UV radiation and how best to improve public awareness of UV issues.

  • Link to source page

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    NIWA flying helikite during balloon fiesta

    News article
    11 March 2014
    Among the colour and spectacle of this week's Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta will be a small but crucial flying contraption known as a helikite.

  • Link to source page

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    Summer series extra: Beware the humidity blues

    News article
    21 January 2014
    In summer, extreme humidity – high and low – can send us round the bend. So what is it, why does it make us feel so bad, and how can we beat it?

  • Link to source page

    Raw footage - Wellington storm, June 21 2013

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    What is a mass spectrometer?

    Education Resource
    Much of NIWA's science uses an instrument known as a mass spectrometer. But what is a mass spectrometer, and how to they work?
    Climate change

  • Link to source page

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    Nitrous oxide

    Research Project
    Nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as laughing gas, is an important greenhouse gas. Naturally produced by bacteria in soils and oceans, agriculture is the main source of human-produced nitrous oxide.

  • Link to source page

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    Ozone

    Research Project
    There is a marked seasonal cycle in surface ozone (O3), with a maximum in winter and minimum in summer. There can also be significant variability from day to day caused by synoptic scale meteorological variations.
    UV and ozone

  • Link to source page

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    Carbon monoxide

    Facility
    Carbon monoxide (CO) plays a key role in atmospheric chemistry because it is the largest sink for hydroxyl radical (OH). OH is often called the 'detergent' of the atmosphere because it destroys many harmful pollutants.
    Greenhouse and trace gases

  • Link to source page

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    Bruker Spectrometers