Description
Return layer density gap, gradient and a local static-order flag.
Aquatic gradients, light attenuation, pressure and acoustic range depend on depth signs and supplied physical coefficients. A local gradient or ideal propagation term does not identify a thermocline, prove whole-lake turnover or detect an organism. Empirical optical products and sound speeds require context-specific measurement.
Return layer density gap, gradient and a local static-order flag.
When to use this tool
Use Lake Turnover Layer Density Gap when checking the stated local aquatic gradient, attenuation, pressure or range convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter upperDensity, lowerDensity, upperDepth, lowerDepth. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read densityGap, gradient, staticallyStable. Inspect staticallyStable before interpreting the associated values.
Return layer density gap, gradient and a local static-order flag. Require positive densities and lowerDepth > upperDepth; gap = lower-upper, gradient = gap/depthDifference, staticallyStable uses lowerDensity >= upperDensity.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| upperDensity | Upper Density | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| lowerDensity | Lower Density | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| upperDepth | Upper Depth | Required. Finite number. |
| lowerDepth | Lower Depth | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| densityGap | Density Gap | Required. Finite number. |
| gradient | Gradient | Required. Finite number. |
| staticallyStable | True when lowerDensity>=upperDensity; equality passes this two-layer local check. | Required. Boolean. |
{
"input": {
"upperDensity": 998,
"lowerDensity": 1000,
"upperDepth": 1,
"lowerDepth": 5
},
"output": {
"densityGap": 2,
"gradient": 0.5,
"staticallyStable": true
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Equality is included; a two-layer predicate does not establish turnover, full water-column stability or actual density observations.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use calibrated profiles, appropriate optical/acoustic conditions and a complete suitable physical model for field interpretation or safe operations.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Thermocline Temperature Depth Gradient
Return depth-positive-downward temperature gradient and drop.
- Lake Layer Overlap Volume Term Tool
Calculate lake layer overlap volume term from explicit caller-supplied inputs.