Phase distribution of tidal constituents around New Zealand

Abstract

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.degree. range of phase around New Zealand, with complex areas of rapid phase change through or near the strait separating the 2 main islands. The K1 amphidrome and that for O1, which previously were thought to be centered on New Zealand, are located east of New Zealand. The distributions plotted highlight areas where tidal observations are lacking.