Description
Return overlap of a sample-depth interval with a layer.
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 overlap of a sample-depth interval with a layer.
When to use this tool
Use Water Layer Sampling Thickness when checking the stated waterbody geometry, layer volume or sampling-support convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter layerTop, layerBottom, sampleTop, sampleBottom. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read layerThickness, sampledThickness, sampledFraction. Use the output convention below.
Return overlap of a sample-depth interval with a layer. Require positive layer thickness and ordered sample bounds; sampledThickness is the interval intersection width, fraction divides by layer thickness.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| layerTop | Layer Top | Required. Finite number. |
| layerBottom | Layer Bottom | Required. Finite number. |
| sampleTop | Sample Top | Required. Finite number. |
| sampleBottom | Sample Bottom | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| layerThickness | Layer Thickness | Required. Finite number. |
| sampledThickness | Sampled Thickness | Required. Finite number. |
| sampledFraction | Sampled Fraction | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"layerTop": 0,
"layerBottom": 10,
"sampleTop": 4,
"sampleBottom": 15
},
"output": {
"layerThickness": 10,
"sampledThickness": 6,
"sampledFraction": 0.6
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Depth coordinates must increase consistently downward; touching intervals give zero and representative sampling is not 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 verified bathymetry and sampling records with an appropriate complete spatial model for whole-waterbody quantities or ecological conclusions.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Sample Water Column Support Depth
Return sampled depth fraction within a water column.
- Water Column Layer Overlap Tool
Intersect supplied downward-positive depth intervals in one datum.