News
First publicly available Storm Surge forecast for Aotearoa - New Zealand
Storm surge is a critical component of coastal flooding and significant portions of NZ’s population and infrastructure are threatened by this weather hazard. A storm surge is an extreme event where low pressure systems (storms) combine with a high tides to cause coastal flooding. MetService, the University of Waikato, the University of Cantabria and Calypso Science collaborated under an MBIE Smart Ideas fund to develop innovative methods for the prediction of coastal storm-surge, applying state-of-the-art machine-learning techniques.
Lightning strikes over New Zealand: Waikato takes 1st place
Last week, between 16 - 25 November, the Aotearoa / New Zealand region saw 91,349 lightning strikes(Source: MetService), with around a 1/3 of those situated over the land. All regions of the country have experienced significant lightning activity, however of all the regions around the country, the Waikato Region takes 1st place with 4,255 lightning strikes over the period, followed by Westland (3,114) and Hawke's Bay (2,970). Dunedin had the lowest recorded number of strikes, with 42 recorded over the 9-day period.
MetOcean Solutions at New Zealand Marine and Freshwater Science Societies Joint Conference
This week, MetOcean Solutions’ team is presenting at the NZ Marine Science Society & NZ Freshwater Science Society Joint Conference 2022. Running from 21 to 24 November in Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland, the conference celebrates the connectivity between Waitī and Waitā by bringing together knowledge to support vibrant marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Inspiring the future generation of Oceanographers
Last week, as part of Smart Waikato's Secondary School Employer Partnerships (SSEP), MetOcean Solutions developed a 3-day program for the Year 10 math students from Raglan Area School.
New Zealand’s first cruise ship in two-and-a-half years
After a hiatus through the COVID pandemic, the Aotearoa / New Zealand 2022/23 cruise ship season has begun following the lifting of the country's maritime boarder to international cruise ships (lifted at midnight on the 31st July, 20231), with the first cruise ship to visit New Zealand shores docking at the Port of Tauranga over the last weekend (15th October).
Operational wave forecast model upgrade
To ensure the highest possible performance at MetOcean Solutions, we continuously improve our models to match state-of-the-art science. Our science team is currently working on implementing the Spherical Multiple-Cell (SMC) grid in the global wave model WAVEWATCH III. SMC grids are unstructured, supporting flexible domain shapes and variable resolutions.
StormWatch helps coastal management
MetOcean’s StormWatch supports Regional Councils and marine operators with the safe management of our coasts.
StormWatch is an innovative, automated service based on wave and atmospheric ensemble forecast models. It issues safety warnings to key stakeholders (i.e., regional and district councils) about events that have the potential to cause damage to coastal infrastructure and put people and property at risk.
High resolution atmospheric forecast and hindcast models for wind energy in New Zealand
To support the New Zealand government’s net zero target, the decarbonisation of the energy sector is becoming a priority.
Last week, MetOcean Senior Physical Oceanographer Dr Severin Thiebaut and MetService Research Scientist Dr Ulrich Ebling, attended with great interest the 2022 NZ Wind Energy Conference and Offshore Wind Workshop in Wellington.
Vacancy: Physical Oceanographer – Wave Modeller
We are currently seeking a talented SWAN Modeller to join our Research and Development team. MetOcean Solutions is a science-based consultancy and forecast supplier providing specialist numerical modelling and analytical solutions in meteorology and oceanography.
The Point Forecast API – high quality weather data at your fingertips
The MetOcean Point Forecast API is now being offered through MetService.com, enabling easy access not only to wave and hydrodynamic forecast models but also the expert atmospheric modelling capabilities you’d expect from a National Weather Service (NWS).
MetOcean Solutions at the Joint EuroSea and OceanPredict Workshop 2022
This week, MetOcean Solutions’ team is presenting at the Joint EuroSea and OceanPredict workshop on Ocean Prediction and Observing System Design. Running from 29 June to 1 July, the workshop aims to support connecting, exploring, and advancing observation and ocean prediction efforts in a global context.
A tale of two coasts
Winter begins to bite, with a series of active fronts and low pressures systems tracking across the country, with an energetic low-pressure system bringing blustery conditions, rain, and large seas to the west coast of both Te Ika-a-Māui and Te Waipounamu (North and South Island) peaking Monday, while the northern and eastern shorelines can expect far smaller wave heights.
Celebrate World Ocean Day With Us!
On World Ocean Day, we would like to celebrate our passion for the ocean.
As one of the largest groups of physical oceanographers in the Southern Hemisphere, we are passionate about science, the ocean and creating meaningful solutions for our clients, partners and community.
New SwellMap and WeatherMap have gone live!
After 15 years of service to the recreational sector, the websites have finally been revamped with new and improved features and modelling.
MetOcean Solutions at Australasian Coasts & Ports 2021
This week, the MetOcean Solutions team will be attending the Australasian Coasts & Ports 2021 Conference. The conference brings together engineers, planners, scientists, and researchers to discuss multi-disciplinary issues related to coasts and ports.
New Zealand coastline mapping using satellite imagery
Globally, coastlines are subject to significant environmental and anthropogenic pressure. To effectively manage and plan coastal use and adaptation, stakeholders need to understand historical coastline variability as well as have visibility on the existing state of the coastline.
Holly Watson joins MetOcean Solutions
We are delighted to welcome Holly Watson to MetOcean Solutions. Holly is a Physical Oceanographer, specialising in coastal environments. She will be joining our Marine Project Consultancy Team, and is based in Sydney.
Understanding marine forecasts
New Zealand is an island nation, and many kiwis get a lot of pleasure, wellbeing and wealth from the oceans which surround us. As part of SeaWeek, we would like to help you better understand the marine forecasts which enable us to enjoy and explore our marine environment safely. Marine weather forecasts provide information about how the weather and ocean will look in the near future.
Drifting Wave Buoy Rides the Waves of Cyclone DOVI
A MetOcean wave buoy drifting in the Tasman Sea found itself close to the center of the ex-tropical cyclone Dovi, as it moved across New Zealand on Sunday the 13th of February 2022. The wave buoy measured significant wave heights (Hs) of 7.5 meters at the highest.
Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Today, 11 February, is UNESCO’s international Women and Girls in Science day. We would like to recognize the key contribution of our female scientists at MetOcean Solutions.
From strong numerical modelling and programming capabilities to GIS expertise and many hours of experience working at sea, our MetOcean’ women bring all to the table.