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Ocean modelling
NIWA answers a wide range of scientific questions using ocean modelling. These models can be linked to well established weather forecasting models to predict ocean temperature, sea level and the dispersal of pollution. -
Freshwater pest species
This is a user guide on non-native fish, reptile, invertebrate, algal and plant species that are recorded in New Zealand freshwaters. -
Mapping beach types & hazard assessment
An explanation of how New Zealand beach types are classified and mapped and how the different beach types and their associated hazards are identified. -
Reflective + tidal mud flats
A tide-dominated system, with a narrow reflective high-tide beach composed of coarse sediments, fronted by wide (100's to several 1000's of metres), low gradient ( -
Reflective + sand flats
Reflective + sand flats beaches have a small steep (3-10°), very low-energy high-tide beach composed of coarse sand, fronted by flat featureless sand flats up to several hundred meters wide and composed of finer sand. -
Ultradissipative
Ultradissipative beaches have a relatively straight, steep, cuspated high tide beach, and a low gradient concave, featureless, wide (averages 400-500 m) intertidal zone. -
Reflective + bars & rips
Reflective + bars & rips beaches have a relatively straight, moderately steep, narrow, and coarser sand, cuspated high-tide beach, fronted by a lower gradient, relatively featureless intertidal zone. -
Reflective + low tide terrace
This is the lowest energy of the tide-modified beaches and also has the coarsest sand. -
Dissipative
Dissipative beaches are characterised as being high energy beaches with a wide surf zone (300-500 m) including two to three shore normal bars and troughs, and a low-sloping and wide beach face consisting of fine sand. -
Intermediate - Low tide terrace
Low tide terrace beaches are composed of fine to medium sand and have a moderately steep beach face joined to an attached bar or shallow terrace that is often exposed at low tide. -
Intermediate - Transverse bar and rip
Bars transverse (perpendicular) to and attached to the beach separated by distinct rip troughs at 150-300 m spacing.