Description
Return a conditional Secchi-based extinction term.
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 a conditional Secchi-based extinction term.
When to use this tool
Use Secchi Extinction Reference Factor when checking the stated local aquatic gradient, attenuation, pressure or range convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter secchiDepth, suppliedProduct, referenceExtinction. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read conditionalExtinction, referenceGap. Use the output convention below.
Return a conditional Secchi-based extinction term. Require secchiDepth > 0 and suppliedProduct/referenceExtinction >= 0; conditionalExtinction = product/depth, referenceGap subtracts reference.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| secchiDepth | Secchi Depth | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| suppliedProduct | Caller’s extinction*Secchi-depth product, dimensionless under compatible reciprocal-length units. | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| referenceExtinction | Reference Extinction | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| conditionalExtinction | Conditional Extinction | Required. Finite number. |
| referenceGap | Reference Gap | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"secchiDepth": 2,
"suppliedProduct": 1.6,
"referenceExtinction": 0.7
},
"output": {
"conditionalExtinction": 0.8,
"referenceGap": 0.10000000000000009
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The empirical product is supplied, not universal or fitted; no actual optical profile or water-quality conclusion is established.
- 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 Depth Interval Gap
Return midpoint and signed disagreement of Secchi depths.
- Euphotic Depth Light Fraction Term
Return depth for a supplied relative-light fraction.