Definitions of common terms. Alluvium: Loose, unconsolidated (not cemented together into a solid rock) soil or sediments which has been eroded, reshaped by water in some form, and re-deposited in a ...

Cy clone Pam’s furious flight path across the South Pacific in March this year illustrated the danger natural hazards pose to life, livelihoods and infrastructural development in the region. Science ...

Outlook summary: A La Niña Watch remains in effect, with a little over 50% chance that La Niña officially develops by the end of the year. However, this event is likely to be weak and short-lived and ...

Fiona Proffitt investigates the state of New Zealand's freshwater resources and the solutions science can offer As New Zealand tries to squeeze maximum value out of its natural resources, conflicts ...

Following La Niña-like atmospheric patterns near New Zealand during June, a La Niña Watch continues. There’s a 60-70% chance that La Niña will develop during spring. July is expected to feature mixed ...

Water from the Whanganui River flows virtually unimpeded over the stopbank and towards the CBD. Wetter days are coming. Dr Andrew Tait, a NIWA scientist and Director of the New Zealand Climate Change ...

Seasonal Climate Outlook for September - November 2024. Outlook Summary. The effect of a minor Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event in July-August is expected to contribute to lower than normal ...

El Niño, which was active since September 2023, has ended and given way to ENSO neutral conditions, which are expected to last through winter. A La Niña Watch has been issued with a 60-70% chance of ...

Seasonal Climate Outlook December 2024 - February 2025. Outlook summary. A La Niña Watch remains in effect. Recent signals in both the ocean and the atmosphere point to the tropical Pacific ...

El Niño Southern Oscillation: what is it? El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a naturally occurring global climate cycle known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, or ENSO for short. ENSO ...

A New Zealand-led team has completed the fullest investigation to date into January’s eruption of the underwater Tongan volcano. Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai (HT-HH) emitted the biggest atmospheric ...

Tropical cyclone outlook summary for New Zealand. On average, at least one ex-TC passes within 550 km of New Zealand each year. This season, the risk is considered normal-elevated.; If an ex-TC tracks ...