Atmosphere
World class research, contributing to our understanding of greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, and urban air pollution.
Research projects
Featured research project
Greenhouse Gases and Climate Sensitivity - Insights from Ice Cores
Date: March 10, 2009
National Centre:
Analysing ancient air trapped in ice cores for signatures of the natural carbon sinks of the past. This will show how the earth has responded to natural climate change in the past, and help predict the climate change feedback processes in the future, which may be caused by today’s carbon sinks as they respond to a warming planet. Read more about Greenhouse Gases and Climate Sensitivity - Insights from Ice Cores
Latest projects
Total Carbon Column Observing Network
NIWA participates in the Total Carbon Column Observing Network, a ground-based observing network dedicated to making precise and accurate measurements of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Improved measurements will enable better understanding of the amount and source of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, entering and exiting the atmosphere. Read more about Total Carbon Column Observing Network
SAGE - SOLAS Air-Sea Gas Exchange Experiment
An experiment to artificially stimulate plankton growth in a 50 km2 test area of ocean. This led to a better understanding of the emission and absorption of gases from the ocean, and the effect this has on the climate. Read more about SAGE - SOLAS Air-Sea Gas Exchange Experiment
Our Services
NIWA’s work in atmosphere and climate includes research and consultancy on the physical and chemical processes affecting the atmosphere and climate, including global effects, stratospheric research, and interactions with the surface and oceans. Read more about Our Services
UV & Ozone
This is the home for NIWA's UV and ozone research, including maps and graphs showing daily predictions and measurements for UV levels across New Zealand. Read more about UV & Ozone
BDBP - atmospheric composition database
The BDBP is a collection of measurements of atmospheric composition from various satellite-, balloon-, and ground-based measurements. Read more about BDBP - atmospheric composition database
News
NIWA says greenhouse gas methane is on the rise again
Date: December 23, 2009
The concentration of methane in the atmosphere is rising, according to measurements made by NIWA. Read more about NIWA says greenhouse gas methane is on the rise again
Baring Head
Our global atmospheric monitoring centre. Read more about Baring Head
Publicly available data and publications
NIWA makes available and regularly updates results from several greenhouse gas measurement projects. Read more about Publicly available data and publications
Greenhouse gas analyses
NIWA has been using advanced scientific instruments to measure atmospheric trace gases and isotopes for over 30 years. Read more about Greenhouse gas analyses
Backward trajectory of southerly air arriving at Baring Head
Read more about Backward trajectory of southerly air arriving at Baring Head
Lauder
NIWA's research station at Lauder in Central Otago specialises in measuring CFCs, Ozone, UV levels and greenhouse gases and has a wide range of world class instruments and research scientists. Read more about Lauder