Soil temperature surfaces for the South Island of New Zealand are based on analysis of a combination of monthly mean soil temperature data from the NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) 3 years data from 175 mini-data-loggers (1997-2000) laid out in a stratified sampling scheme at 7 climatically representative locations in the South Island. At each location a cluster of about 25 data loggers sampled a range of elevations between 100 and 1800 m. At each elevation grouping the 4 primary aspects (N, S, E, W) and a flat site were sampled at a depth of 30cm. Multiple regression used site characteritics of latitude, Distance from coast, elevation, aspect, slope and forest/non-forest cover to predict topographic effects on soil temperatures.
Purpose
These surfaces are designed to assist in properly explaining topographic variation in local climate conditions. Temperature, along with moisture availability, are the most important important climatic drivers of many environmental systems. In the mid-latitude steep and/or high-relief environments typical of 70% of New Zealand’s land surface, topographic influences are strong. For example mean temperature differences of nearly 4°C between north and south aspects in South Island hill country equate to a latitudinal displacement of 9° (Nelson to Bluff).
Credit
Barringer, JRF; Lilburne, LL; Landcare Research NZ Ltd.
Point Of Contact
Responsible Party
Individual Name
James Barringer
Organisation Name
Landcare Research NZ Ltd
Position Name
GIS Specialist
Language
eng
Topic Category Code
elevation
Topic Category Code
environment
Microsoft Windows 7 Version 6.1 (Build 7600) ; Esri ArcGIS 10.1.1.3143
