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How do clouds modify the response of mountain glaciers to climate change?
Research ProjectWhile we know that glaciers are sensitive to changes in their local climate, our understanding of exactly how mountain glaciers will respond to climate change is incomplete. -
Adaptive futures: a serious game for climate change adaptation
Research ProjectNIWA is using serious games to look at problems holistically and provide a framework for climate change adaptation decision-making. -
Snow and Ice Network
Research ProjectNIWA has established a network of high elevation electronic weather stations to provide a solid basis to understand seasonal patterns and long-term changes to seasonal snow and ice in alpine regions of New Zealand. -
Flood-harvesting effects on braided river geomorphology
Research ProjectThe alp-fed braided rivers of Canterbury are treasured for their landscape, recreational amenities, salmon- and trout-fishing, and unique riverine environments – which provide habitat to a host of endangered birds – but they are under threat from land-use intensification and a growing demand for irrigation water. -
Weed Management
Research ProjectOf the more than 70 aquatic plant species naturalised in New Zealand, more than 75% have become problem weeds or have been assessed as having the potential to become future problem weeds. Most of our lakes, rivers and streams are affected by at least one of these species. -
Suspended sediment dynamics in New Zealand Rivers
Research ProjectImpacts of catchment characteristics on the timing of sediment delivery during runoff events. -
Braided river morphodynamics and invasive exotic vegetation
Research ProjectBraided rivers are an arena where woody weeds and floods are in constant competition with each other.
Braided rivers naturally flood frequently, repeatedly mobilising their bed sediments and shifting their multiple channels. -
Sedimentation effects
Research ProjectThis programme looks at the impacts of sediment plumes created by disturbance to the seafloor and the discharge of processed waters. -
Plastic pollution processes in rivers
Research ProjectMost of the plastic in the ocean originates on land, being carried to the estuaries and coasts by rivers. Managing this plastic on land before it reaches the river could be the key to stemming the tide of marine-bound plastics. The aim of this project is to understand the sources and fate of plastic pollution carried by urban rivers using the Kaiwharawhara Stream as a case study. -
The Ross Sea Region Research and Monitoring Programme
Research ProjectThe Ross Sea Region Research and Monitoring Programme (Ross-RAMP) is a five-year research programme funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and run by NIWA to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area. -
Ross Sea Environment and Ecosystem Voyage 2019
Research ProjectThe Ross Sea region is vital to the future of the Antarctic ecosystem. -
River forecasting: capabilities versus user requirements
Research ProjectCurrently there are gaps in understanding of user decision making processes and public needs and requirements for river forecasting in New Zealand. This project aims to bridge NIWA river forecasting aspirations and capabilities with both the public and decision makers’ requirements.