Description
Return observed temperature-minus-dewpoint depression.
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 observed temperature-minus-dewpoint depression.
When to use this tool
Use Dewpoint Depression Observed Term when checking the stated atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity or water-basis term.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter temperature, dewpoint. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read depression. Use the output convention below.
Return observed temperature-minus-dewpoint depression. depression = temperature-dewpoint.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| temperature | Temperature | Required. Finite number. |
| dewpoint | Dewpoint | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| depression | Depression | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"temperature": 20,
"dewpoint": 12
},
"output": {
"depression": 8
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Both temperatures need a common scale with the same degree size; negative values are retained and no dewpoint or saturation condition is independently inferred.
- 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
- Humidity Mixing Basis Residual
Check supplied specific humidity against mixing ratio.
- Moist Air Mixing Ratio Vapor Pressure
Return water-vapor mixing ratio on a dry-air basis.