Atmospheric analysis

NIWA has been using advanced scientific instruments to measure atmospheric trace gases and isotopes for over 50 years.

  • Science update 2 from Richard O’Driscoll

    Day 13 of the Ross Sea Life in a Changing Climate (ReLiCC) 2021 voyage on RV Tangaroa finds us close to Cape Adare on the tip of the Antarctic continent. We’ve had a busy and icy week.
  • Lesson eight: Measuring emissions

    Education Resource
    This lesson explores how emissions of particles and gases into the air are measured and monitored around New Zealand.
  • Lesson seven: Air quality around the world

    Education Resource
    Different places have different air quality at different times. This lesson helps you find out about air quality around the world.
  • Lesson six: Impacts of air pollution

    Education Resource
    In this lesson you’ll learn more about how air pollution affects the environment as well as people’s health.
  • Lesson five: Indoor air quality and ventilation

    Education Resource
    Indoor air quality can affect how healthy your home is. Learn more about indoor air quality in this lesson.
  • Lesson four: Air quality and weather

    Education Resource
    Air quality is affected by the weather and the shape of the land. This lesson explores why air quality differs in different parts of NZ.
  • Lesson three: Measuring particles in the air

    Education Resource
    This lesson explores how air quality is measured all around Aotearoa New Zealand and where you can access that data.
  • Lesson two: The air in our lungs

    Education Resource
    Small air pollution particles can get into our lungs and even our bloodstream. This lesson explores what happens to the air we breathe in.
  • Diquat use for submerged weeds

    Diquat is a herbicide (chemical) that has been used in New Zealand for many decades for submerged (underwater) weed control and also on agricultural crops. It is registered for freshwater use in New Zealand.
  • Message in a bottle: Dr Jenny Visser

    This is now my eighth voyage to Antarctica on Tangaroa. While my medical skills have been called on many occasions, my daily consultation rate at sea is low. So, I fill my time with other activities including getting involved in the science if needed.
  • RV Tangaroa spots first iceberg

    At midnight on Saturday, the crew on-board RV Tangaroa spotted the first iceberg of the voyage.
  • How does a fish climb a ramp? Very, very cleverly…

    Feature story
    New Zealand’s native fish are doing their best to climb up ramps in a NIWA laboratory so scientists can learn how to better help them navigate our tricky waterways.