Description
Calculate one signed conductive heat-flux term from supplied conductivity and gradient.
Earth-science records distinguish depth signs, vertical datums, before-present ages, calibration factors and specimen definitions. Apparent porosity can be negative for inconsistent density inputs, and core recovery may exceed the drilled interval. Local labels and supplied transformations do not establish geological interpretation, physical validity or actual observation quality.
Calculate one signed conductive heat-flux term from supplied conductivity and gradient.
When to use this tool
Use Terrestrial Heatflow Gradient Term when you already have thermalConductivity, signedTemperatureGradient and need to calculate one signed conductive heat-flux term from supplied conductivity and gradient.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter thermalConductivity, signedTemperatureGradient. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read signedHeatFlux. Use the output convention below.
Require thermalConductivity>=0; return -conductivity*signedTemperatureGradient.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| thermalConductivity | Thermal Conductivity | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| signedTemperatureGradient | Temperature gradient along the chosen positive axis; K/m with conductivity W/(m·K) yields W/m² flux. | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| signedHeatFlux | Signed Heat Flux | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"thermalConductivity": 2,
"signedTemperatureGradient": -0.03
},
"output": {
"signedHeatFlux": 0.06
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Coordinate direction and units must agree: W/(m·K) times K/m gives W/m². This is a one-dimensional scalar term, not a fitted gradient, full heat budget or hazard assessment.
- 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 survey, sample, sensor and timescale records with consistent units and reference frames. Apply the complete geological, hydrological or physical model when local density ratios, depth spans or calibration terms cannot establish the required interpretation.
References
Similar or alternative tools
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Normalize a supplied nonnegative heat leak by positive area.
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