Description
Add supplied extinction across one layer to optical depth.
Atmospheric scalar terms require explicit averaging, spectral, geometric and propagation conventions. One fluctuation product is not a time-averaged flux, a squared deviation is not a full scintillation index, and a Nyquist interval does not de-alias radar velocity. Layer terms require compatible units and model assumptions.
Add supplied extinction across one layer to optical depth.
When to use this tool
Use Cloud Layer Optical Depth Step when you already have openingOpticalDepth, extinctionCoefficient, layerThickness and need to add supplied extinction across one layer to optical depth.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter openingOpticalDepth, extinctionCoefficient, layerThickness. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read closingOpticalDepth, addedOpticalDepth. Use the output convention below.
Require opening optical depth, extinction coefficient and layer thickness>=0; added depth=coefficient*thickness and closing=opening+added.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| openingOpticalDepth | Opening Optical Depth | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| extinctionCoefficient | Extinction Coefficient | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| layerThickness | Layer Thickness | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| closingOpticalDepth | Closing Optical Depth | Required. Finite number. |
| addedOpticalDepth | Added Optical Depth | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"openingOpticalDepth": 1,
"extinctionCoefficient": 0.2,
"layerThickness": 5
},
"output": {
"closingOpticalDepth": 2,
"addedOpticalDepth": 1
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Use inverse-length coefficient and matching length. A uniform/mean layer is assumed; this does not model a full atmosphere, scattering source or spectral transfer.
- 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 complete measurement and physical retrieval model. Include calibration, averaging, source geometry, spectral response and relevant transfer or flow effects when local weights and signal factors cannot establish the desired atmospheric quantity.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Radiative Absorption Path Transmission
Calculate a supplied absorption optical depth and path transmission.
- Cloud Path Liquid Water Contribution
Calculate a supplied cloud liquid-water-path contribution.