Natural Hazards

Science Centres: Natural Hazards

Natural Hazards

Hazards

This is a summary of the areas of hazards research at NIWA.

Latest News

Preparing New Zealand for storms: lessons from Yasi
NIWA weather modelling research aims to improve the accuracy of New Zealand forecasts
Measurable tsunami waves hit New Zealand on cue after Japan earthquake
NIWA Scientists set to survey Pegasus Bay with seismic equipment
Just how windy can it get in Wellington?

Natural Hazards

Nature can be a destructive force. Our science will prevent property damage and save lives.

Weather forecasting - Let's make it better!

NIWA performs world class climate, ocean and weather related hazards modelling. In this clip Dr Michael Uddstrom and Dr Murray Poulter explain how greater computing power is leading to more accurate environmental forecasting. 

Understanding Extreme Rainfall

December 2011 and January 2012 have had Nelson and much of the North Island experiencing  very heavy rainfall and strong winds. In order to mitigate some of the risks of extreme weather events, NIWA is performing a wide range of research into better understanding heavy rainfall and other extreme weather systems.

In brief: Finding faults - NIWA probes Pegasus Bay

A preliminary seismic survey of the seabed off the north Canterbury coast has found a complex arrangement of geologic faults in the bedrock under Pegasus Bay.