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Pressure Layer Log Midpoint Tool

Find the midpoint in log-pressure coordinates using positive supplied pressures.

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Description

Return geometric midpoint pressure and signed logarithmic thickness.

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 geometric midpoint pressure and signed logarithmic thickness.

When to use this tool

Use Pressure Layer Log Midpoint when checking the stated atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity or water-basis term.

How to use the tool and how it works

  1. Enter bottomPressure, topPressure. Use the units and conventions below.
  2. Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
  3. Read midPressure, logThickness. Use the output convention below.

Return geometric midpoint pressure and signed logarithmic thickness. Require both pressures > 0; midpoint = exp((ln(bottom)+ln(top))/2), logThickness = ln(bottom/top).1

Input fieldMeaning and unitsAccepted input
bottomPressureBottom PressureRequired. Finite number; strictly above 0.
topPressureTop PressureRequired. Finite number; strictly above 0.
Output fieldInterpretationReturned shape
midPressureMid PressureRequired. Finite number.
logThicknessLog ThicknessRequired. Finite number.
json
{
  "input": {
    "bottomPressure": 1000,
    "topPressure": 250
  },
  "output": {
    "midPressure": 499.99999999999983,
    "logThickness": 1.3862943611198906
  }
}

Limitations and assumptions

  • Bottom pressure need not exceed top pressure; negative log thickness is retained and no actual layer structure is validated.
  • 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

  1. Calculation and input contract: atmospheric-science/pressure-layer-log-midpoint — tool.io

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