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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Atmosphere

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    Climate and weather

    Information about climate and weather and links to climate-related websites.
    Climate data
    Extreme weather

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    Weather app screenshots

    UVI smartphone apps

    Several apps that provide forecasts of the UV index (UVI) are available for smartphones. 
    UV and ozone

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    Common hydrological terms

    Education Resource
    Descriptions of the common terms that explain the processes that occur in hydrology.
    River flow forecasting

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    Air quality monitoring with low-cost sensors

    Service
    NIWA provides ambient air quality monitoring services using low-cost ODIN (Outdoor Dust Information Node) sensors.
    Air quality

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    All-sky - Lauder

    All-Sky images

    The all-sky image shows a hemispheric view of the sky at Lauder.

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    Layers of the atmosphere

    Education Resource
    The atmosphere is comprised of layers based on temperature. These layers are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and thermosphere.
    Atmosphere

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    Tonga volcano “afterglow” causes dazzling skies in Antarctica

    Media release
    06 June 2017
    Antarctica is experiencing stunning skyscapes like those recently seen in New Zealand, thanks to the afterglow effect from the Tongan volcano.
    Antarctica
    Atmosphere
    Climate and weather

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    Lauder Atmospheric Research Station

    UVI forecast for Specific Sites

    Check out UV index forecasts for locations in New Zealand (including ski fields), Australia, the Pacific and Antarctica.
    UV and ozone
    Weather forecasting

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    Storms and cyclones

    Education Resource
    Common questions about storms and cyclones in New Zealand.
    Weather hazards
    Extreme weather

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    UV Index at Leigh - 17 October 2023

    Today's UV Index

    Today's UV Index
    UV and ozone

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    Climate change, global warming and greenhouse gases

    Climate data and common terms explaining the causes and effects of climate change.
    Atmosphere
    Climate change
    Greenhouse and trace gases

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    UV index signage at Lauder

    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.
    UV and ozone