Zune Lee's story

Zune Lee is visiting from Seoul in Korea as Artspace artist-in-Residence. He has made a media art game about air quality and weather and weather emotions called "Weather Pong'. Last night he said "Auckland is a very clean city compared to Seoul. There are huge differences in the quality of the air here compared to Korea."

Brown Fog-Haze over Penrose Aug 26, '11

From One Tree Hill, the smoking stacks collected in a shallow fog /brown haze this morning.

Sue's story (Manukau Harbour fog-haze, 26 August '11)

"I walk to work in Mt Albert. This week (Aug 22-26, 2011) the atmosphere seems really dirty and I have sinus problems. The air tastes like acid. It reminds me of when I was in New York last year. In New York they are very conscious about air quality because of the lack of it."

Friday August 19th '11, Gt South Road, Looking South

The clear, cold, still conditions for several days following the snow (!) in Auckland are potential conditions for a haze. I think I can see a light haze in this shot, but Nick Talbot thought the lack of humidity might be preventing a haze from forming.

Pete's story

"I live on Waiheke island and only commute occasionally to town. Auckland's air quality is definitely polluted compared to the island. I can remember seeing a brown wash of smog along the stretch of the Southern motorway from the ferry travelling towards the city in the early morning. But I think I recall this happening in Summer more often than Winter?"

Heavy Haze August 22 '11 from One Tree Hill

This is the most intense haze I have seen this Winter. Ironically my mum, myself and another friend all needed antibiotics today for upper respiratory tract infections.

A very heavy haze from Winter 2009

This is an example of a heavy brown haze, combined with fog on June 3, 2009 from the Auckland Council webcam.

Light 'Brown haze' August 10

From Mt Albert, looking South

Haze is more clearly visible when the sun is behind me for the photograph.

Causes of Brown Haze

Scientists believe that brown haze is caused by Nitrogen Dioxide and Particulate matter. But the key factors in causing Auckland's haze, both chemical and meteorological are currently a subject of research.

The 11,000 litres of air we breathe per day is the determining factory in many respiratory and cardiac illnesses in Auckland. There are approximately 15-30 days a year when pollutant levels in Auckland's air exceed our National Environmental standards.

Nick Talbot at NIWA is currently engaged in a research project to determine the weather conditions that cause 'brown haze' using air quality instruments. Detailed information and fact sheets about haze and air quality are available on the Auckland Council website.

http://www.arc.govt.nz/environment/air-quality/air-quality.cfm

Light 'Brown haze' August 4

From Khyber pass looking South.

Dense Haze, July 1, 2011

From Harbour bridge on-ramp, Takapuna

What does Auckland's air look and feel like? Share an image or description.

What does Auckland’s air feel like?
The aim of this blog is to build a picture of how Auckland's inhabitants perceive our air quality. Please describe in words your impressions of Auckland air quality; either how it looks or how it feels to 'breathe in'.

Haze's past?
What are your memories and impressions of Auckland's air quality?

What does Auckland's air look like? Share an image.
You are invited to post pictures of 'brown haze' from your local part of Auckland from any kind of camera or phone. Haze is often clearly viewed from the North Shore. Or post any kind of photo that describes our air quality.

Background
Environmental scientists, urban meteorologists and the Auckland Council are currently monitoring Auckland's 'brown haze' to understand both the human and atmospheric causes. But the city's inhabitants who live 'in' it can also help build up a profile of the haze.

With your permission, shared haze images or descriptions may be used in a media art exhibition produced in 2012.