Description
Return possible overlap and union bounds for two cloud fractions.
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 possible overlap and union bounds for two cloud fractions.
When to use this tool
Use Cloud Layer Overlap Fraction Bound when checking the stated optical, radiometric, cloud-code or coverage convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter first, second. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read minimumOverlap, maximumOverlap, minimumUnion, maximumUnion. Use the output convention below.
Return possible overlap and union bounds for two cloud fractions. Require both fractions in [0,1]; overlap lies between max(0,a+b-1) and min(a,b), union between max(a,b) and min(1,a+b).1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| first | First | Required. Finite number; minimum 0; maximum 1. |
| second | Second | Required. Finite number; minimum 0; maximum 1. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| minimumOverlap | Minimum Overlap | Required. Finite number. |
| maximumOverlap | Maximum Overlap | Required. Finite number. |
| minimumUnion | Minimum Union | Required. Finite number. |
| maximumUnion | Maximum Union | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"first": 0.6,
"second": 0.7
},
"output": {
"minimumOverlap": 0.2999999999999998,
"maximumOverlap": 0.6,
"minimumUnion": 0.7,
"maximumUnion": 1
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- These are set-size bounds, not a selected random/maximum overlap model or a complete cloud geometry 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 source-specific observation code table and an appropriate calibrated spectral/atmospheric model for actual cloud or radiative interpretation.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Shortwave Clearness Index One Observation
Return one observed clearness index.
- Atmospheric Science: Cloud Cover Okta Missing Code Label
Map a local cloud-code convention to oktas and a missing flag.