Description
Calculate one supplied instantaneous turbulent covariance product.
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.
Calculate one supplied instantaneous turbulent covariance product.
When to use this tool
Use Turbulent Flux Instantaneous Covariance Term when you already have velocityFluctuation, scalarFluctuation and need to calculate one supplied instantaneous turbulent covariance product.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter velocityFluctuation, scalarFluctuation. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read covarianceContribution. Use the output convention below.
Multiply velocityFluctuation by scalarFluctuation with signs preserved.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| velocityFluctuation | Velocity Fluctuation | Required. Finite number. |
| scalarFluctuation | Scalar Fluctuation | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| covarianceContribution | One velocity/scalar fluctuation product; not an averaged covariance or full turbulent flux. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"velocityFluctuation": 2,
"scalarFluctuation": -3
},
"output": {
"covarianceContribution": -6
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Fluctuations and units must already follow a stated averaging convention. A single product is not a time-averaged covariance, complete flux or valid eddy-covariance estimate.
- 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
- Turbulence Reynolds Stress Term
Calculate one supplied density-weighted Reynolds-stress product.
- Scintillation Normalized Intensity Deviation
Calculate supplied normalized intensity deviation and its square.