Land and freshwater
This page provides an overview of Earth Sciences New Zealand’s research into land and freshwater. The links below take you to further detail about each specific research area on the NIWA and GNS Science websites.
Aquatic Biosecurity
Protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s freshwater and marine environments from pests and diseases now and in future.
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Coastal Change
Helping Aotearoa New Zealand’s communities adapt effectively to the physical, social and economic impacts of climate and environmental change in coastal and near-coastal settings.
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Contaminants
Contaminants impact human health, livelihoods, ecosystems and the environment. We use our expertise in monitoring, modelling and chemical analysis to better understand the contaminants present in our environment.
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Earth Dynamics
Aotearoa New Zealand is positioned astride the active Pacific-Australian plate boundary. This provides an ideal natural laboratory for a global community of researchers to better understand processes that control natural hazards.
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Freshwater
Strengthening Aotearoa New Zealand’s freshwater resilience through enhanced understanding of our groundwater systems and lake ecosystems. Informing adaptation pathways and water management in our changing climate.
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Future Freshwater
Predicting Aotearoa New Zealand’s future water flows for better water management and planning to support water security.
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Geology of New Zealand
The land and continental shelf areas, together named "Zealandia", have had a long and varied geological history.
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Healthy Freshwater
Understanding the future of freshwater ecosystems in a changing environment, for improved ecosystem health and water quality.
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Landscapes and Seascapes
Research focused on understanding surface processes through integrated geological, geochemical and geophysical investigations to inform predictive modelling of sedimentation and erosion.
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Rivers to Sea
Understanding catchment to sea connections and estuarine processes to ensure a healthy coastal marine environment and effective carbon sequestration in a changing climate.
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