Description
Return Rayleigh wavelength scaling.
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 Rayleigh wavelength scaling.
When to use this tool
Use Rayleigh Scattering Wavelength Ratio when checking the stated optical, radiometric, cloud-code or coverage convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter referenceWavelength, targetWavelength, referenceScattering. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read ratio, scattering. Use the output convention below.
Return Rayleigh wavelength scaling. Require positive reference/target wavelengths and nonnegative referenceScattering; ratio = (referenceWavelength/targetWavelength)^4, scattering = reference*ratio.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| referenceWavelength | Reference Wavelength | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| targetWavelength | Target Wavelength | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| referenceScattering | Reference Scattering | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| ratio | Ratio | Required. Finite number. |
| scattering | Scattering | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"referenceWavelength": 400,
"targetWavelength": 800,
"referenceScattering": 16
},
"output": {
"ratio": 0.0625,
"scattering": 1
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The inverse-fourth-power approximation assumes comparable small-particle/material conditions; real refractive-index changes and full radiative transfer are omitted.
- 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
- Aerosol Optical Depth Slant Factor
Return plane-parallel slant aerosol optical depth.
- Optical Path Airmass Factor
Return plane-parallel airmass and slant optical depth.