Description
Return a supplied refractive-index gradient term.
Atmospheric optical and radiation quantities distinguish spectral density, integrated flux, solid-angle response and reporting codes. A local attenuation factor, bin contribution or coverage bound requires compatible geometry and definitions rather than establishing a complete radiative transfer or observed cloud state.
Return a supplied refractive-index gradient term.
When to use this tool
Use Atmospheric Refraction Supplied Gradient Term when checking the stated optical, radiometric, cloud-code or coverage convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter refractiveIndex, verticalGradient, pathLength. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read curvature, smallAngleDeflection. Use the output convention below.
Return a supplied refractive-index gradient term. Require refractiveIndex > 0 and pathLength >= 0; curvature = verticalGradient/index, smallAngleDeflection = pathLength*curvature.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| refractiveIndex | Refractive Index | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| verticalGradient | Vertical Gradient | Required. Finite number. |
| pathLength | Path Length | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| curvature | Curvature | Required. Finite number. |
| smallAngleDeflection | Small Angle Deflection | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"refractiveIndex": 1,
"verticalGradient": -0.000001,
"pathLength": 1000
},
"output": {
"curvature": -0.000001,
"smallAngleDeflection": -0.001
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The sign follows this scalar gradient convention; no ray tracing, geometric path orientation, curvature profile or actual refraction is solved.
- 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 the source-specific observation code table and an appropriate calibrated spectral/atmospheric model for actual cloud or radiative interpretation.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Optical Path Airmass Factor
Return plane-parallel airmass and slant optical depth.
- Rayleigh Scattering Wavelength Ratio
Return Rayleigh wavelength scaling.