Description
Return scale height and local gravity derivative.
Atmospheric state formulas depend on absolute temperature, pressure reference, water mass/volume bases and layer assumptions. Local adiabatic, hydrostatic or precipitation terms can illustrate a supplied model without reconstructing an actual profile, validating an instrument or predicting weather hazards.
Return scale height and local gravity derivative.
When to use this tool
Use Atmospheric Scale Height Gravity Sensitivity when checking the stated atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity or water-basis term.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter gasConstant, temperature, gravity. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read scaleHeight, derivative. Use the output convention below.
Return scale height and local gravity derivative. Require positive gasConstant, temperature and gravity; scaleHeight = R*T/g, derivative = -R*T/g².1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| gasConstant | Specific gas constant, J/(kg K) with SI height units, not molar R. | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| temperature | Temperature | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| gravity | Gravity | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| scaleHeight | Scale Height | Required. Finite number. |
| derivative | Derivative | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"gasConstant": 287,
"temperature": 280,
"gravity": 10
},
"output": {
"scaleHeight": 8036,
"derivative": -803.6
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- R is a specific gas constant and temperature absolute; isothermal/composition assumptions are supplied, without solving a full atmosphere.
- 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 observations and an appropriate complete thermodynamic/profile analysis with explicit units, references and moisture assumptions for meteorological conclusions.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Atmospheric Scale Height Ratio
Return a ratio of ideal atmospheric scale heights.
- Potential Temperature Pressure Sensitivity
Return pressure sensitivity of a potential-temperature term.