Description
Return sampled depth fraction within a water column.
Waterbody volume and sampling support depend on depth orientation, layer geometry and interval overlap. A representative layer or covered depth can be summarized without recovering bathymetry or establishing representative ecological sampling. Unique covered thickness differs from the full span between distant intervals.
Return sampled depth fraction within a water column.
When to use this tool
Use Sample Water Column Support Depth when checking the stated waterbody geometry, layer volume or sampling-support convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter sampleTop, sampleBottom, waterDepth. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read supportDepth, fraction. Use the output convention below.
Return sampled depth fraction within a water column. Require waterDepth > 0 and 0 <= sampleTop <= sampleBottom <= waterDepth; supportDepth = bottom-top, fraction = support/waterDepth.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| sampleTop | Sample Top | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| sampleBottom | Sample Bottom | Required. Finite number. |
| waterDepth | Water Depth | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| supportDepth | Support Depth | Required. Finite number. |
| fraction | Dimensionless ratio using the denominator specified above; not a percentage unless explicitly stated. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"sampleTop": 2,
"sampleBottom": 5,
"waterDepth": 10
},
"output": {
"supportDepth": 3,
"fraction": 0.3
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- This is depth support rather than sample-volume or observation quality; no representativeness or actual sampling is verified.
- 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 verified bathymetry and sampling records with an appropriate complete spatial model for whole-waterbody quantities or ecological conclusions.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Water Layer Sampling Thickness
Return overlap of a sample-depth interval with a layer.
- Secchi Depth Interval Gap Tool
Calculate secchi depth interval gap from explicit caller-supplied inputs.