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What is the greenhouse effect?
Education ResourceThe 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. -
UV Index Information
The UV Index is a measure of the intensity of UV radiation. The larger the number, the more intense the UV. In New Zealand, its maximum summer value is generally about 12, but it can exceed 13 in the far North. In winter it reaches peak values of 1 or 2. Values of 10 or more should be considered as "extreme". At high altitude tropical sites (eg Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii), the UV Index can exceed 20.The UV Index supersedes the idea of "Time to Burn" or "Burn Time", which has been used previously in New Zealand. -
Publicly available data and publications
FacilityNIWA makes available and regularly updates results from several greenhouse gas measurement projects. -
Yesterday's UV Index
Plots of UV levels throughout the day at different locations. -
Carbon dioxide
FacilityAtmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is measured continuously at Baring Head, providing the longest running record of this type in the Southern hemisphere. -
Personal UV Dosimeters
NIWA has developed personal UV dosimeter badges to support studies relating UV exposure to human health. -
Methane
FacilityMethane (CH4) is the second most important greenhouse gas after CO2 that is produced by human activities. -
High Performance Computing Facility
FacilityThe High Performance Computing Facility (HPCF) is supercharging New Zealand science—powering scientists working at the forefront of New Zealand’s greatest science challenges. -
Estimating design wind speeds in complex terrain
Research ProjectThe current method for calculating wind speed-up is inadequate, and can grossly under-predict correct design wind speeds in NZ's complex terrain.