Atmosphere

Today's UV Index

Like the GMS satellite, the NOAA Series of polar orbiting satellites (operated by NOAA, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) are a component of the World Weather Watch meteorological satellite network.

PPM and PPB are units used in atmospheric chemistry to describe the concentration of gases.

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.

NIWA has developed a real time UV display in consultation with the Cancer Society and Sunsmart. The first prototype is currently installed at the new Molyneux Aquatic centre in Alexandra.

The mass of carbon emissions can easily be calculated.

Plots of UV levels throughout the day at different locations.

CFCs have damaged the ozone layer and led to higher UV levels and increased health risks. Our role is to understand the causes and effects of ozone depletion, to inform the public of the risk.

Data from our research which we make publicly available.

NIWA has developed personal UV dosimeter badges to support studies relating UV exposure to human health.

The 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.

NIWA makes a range of trace gas data freely available on our FTP site.