Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand

Coastal Dune Ecosystem Reference Database

Phase distribution of tidal constituents around New Zealand Journal Paper

Author
Heath, R.A.
Year
1977
Journal / Source
New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research
Volume
11
Pages
383-392
Summary
The phase distributions of the M2, S2, K1, and O1 tidal constituents around New Zealand are plotted from existing harmonic analyses of tidal heights. Both semidiurnal constituents exhibit a complete 360° range of phase around New Zealand, with complex areas of rapid phase change through or near the strait separating the two main islands. The K1 amphidrome and that for O1, which previously were thought to be centred on New Zealand, are shown to be located cast of New Zealand. The distributions plotted highlight areas where tidal observations are lacking.