Appendix Two The area is notable for occasional high intensity rainfall events, especially in western and southern parts. Droughts are generally not common but areas with low elevation and low rainfall, mainly in the Outer Sounds, are predisposed to summer drought, especially on north and west faces. Overall, maritime influence is very high, with decreasing influence away from Cook Strait. Much of the Sounds is surrounded by sea although the maritime influence is ameliorated by the relatively sheltered nature of the Inner Sounds. Temperature ranges are relatively narrow in areas with high maritime influence, but are very wide away from the coast, especially in sheltered inland valleys where days can be very warm, but where evening cold air drainage and ponding are pronounced and frosts severe. The Outer Sounds and many parts of the Inner Sounds are largely frost-free. Exposure to winds and storms ranges from severe in the Outer Sounds and at high altitudes (especially ridges, ranges and summits), to minimal in sheltered bays and inland valley systems. The Inner Sounds are notable for its sheltered bays and waterways, while the Outer Sounds are notable for their high wind velocities, especially through the Cook Strait narrows. In the Outer Sounds, the effects of storm surges and high energy wave action on landforms, erosion processes, and biotic communities are profound. Fog is a significant feature of the valleys of the Pelorus catchment. Winter snow is uncommon and confined to main ranges and high summits (eg; Stokes, Robertson) and is ephemeral on all but the highest peaks of the Richmond Range. Overall elevation is high, ranging from sea level to 1756 m (Mt Richmond); mean altitude is c. 350 m. 3. Natural Air Quality Very high natural air quality throughout Marlborough Sounds. B. The Biological Environment [Comprises all of Sounds Ecological District, most of Pelorus and D’Urville Ecological Districts, and parts of Para and Cook Strait Ecological Districts]. 1. Predominant Indigenous Vegetation The total area of the Sounds District is 291,696 ha of which 55% is native forest, 14% is shrubland (both exotic and native), 20% is pasture and non-woody native vegetation and 11% is exotic forestry. (Note: Percentages based on interpretation of 1990 satellite images.) Originally, over 90% of the Sounds and hinterland was covered in forest. Non- forest communities were naturally restricted to areas that were inimical to forest development due to physical and environmental constraints such as steepness, exposure, salinity, substrate type and instability, extreme water regimes (inundation/excessive drainage), and low temperatures. App Two - 5