Description
Return midpoint and signed disagreement of Secchi depths.
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 midpoint and signed disagreement of Secchi depths.
When to use this tool
Use Secchi Depth Interval Gap when checking the stated local aquatic gradient, attenuation, pressure or range convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter disappearanceDepth, reappearanceDepth. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read midpoint, signedGap. Use the output convention below.
Return midpoint and signed disagreement of Secchi depths. Require nonnegative disappearance/reappearance depths; midpoint is their mean, signedGap = disappearance-reappearance.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| disappearanceDepth | Disappearance Depth | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| reappearanceDepth | Reappearance Depth | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| midpoint | Midpoint | Required. Finite number. |
| signedGap | Signed Gap | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"disappearanceDepth": 4,
"reappearanceDepth": 3
},
"output": {
"midpoint": 3.5,
"signedGap": 1
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The midpoint does not independently validate visibility, protocol consistency or water quality.
- 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
- Secchi Extinction Reference Factor
Return a conditional Secchi-based extinction term.
- Euphotic Depth Light Fraction Term
Return depth for a supplied relative-light fraction.