Rain falls over the Southern Alps and water seeps into Canterbury aquifers Water flows down Waimakariri River Click here to see evaporation from the sea. The Norwester brings rain to the mountains. Norwester
"I am also the first to see the rain as it comes over the Southern Alps from the west.

This westerly wind is sometimes called a norwester. The rain it brings is called orographic rain, continues Rere."
Can you see:

  • rain falling on the alps, then
  • water flowing down the Waimakariri River, then
  • water seeping into the ground and into the aquifer system feeding the springs around Christchurch.

    Click on the Pacific Ocean to see evaporation from the sea.

    "Did you know Rere, the water leaves the aquifer system via springs?" said Pakura "These springs provide water for Tuna's home at the Heathcote River and also at the Halswell, Avon and Styx Rivers."
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