Distance from coast (Kilometres) is the distance from the coast in the direction of the prevailing wind, it is entered at the block set up and determines the amount of sulphur (S) and cations (K, Ca, Mg, Na) deposited annually by rain. It is important to determine the distance based on the direction of the prevailing wind as this is the direction where the majority of the rainfall comes from. Distance from coast has the largest effect on the sulphur model and as you move further from the coast the concentration of S, K, Ca, Mg, and Na decreases
If prevailing wind direction is unknown assume westerly. We recommend estimating the distance from the coast using an online map of New Zealand such as Google Earth https://earth.google.com/.