Geology Critical Taper Wedge Angle Calculator
Observed wedge taperα+βunder actual signed dip convention. This does NOT derive critical Coulombtaper from pore pressure/friction, or demonstrate critical state, tectonic activity or stability.
Description
Wedge taper describes the combined surface-slope and basal-dip geometry.
Wedge taper describes the combined surface-slope and basal-dip geometry.1
A measured geometric taper does not establish a critical mechanical state. Use this tool to calculate the stated observation or conditional model from supplied measurements.
When to use Geology Critical Taper Wedge Angle Calculator
Use this tool to calculate the stated observation or conditional model from supplied measurements. Establish the sample and coordinate basis, matching units, calibration source and applicable model assumptions.
How to use Geology Critical Taper Wedge Angle Calculator and understand its results
- Establish the sample and coordinate basis, matching units, calibration source and applicable model assumptions.
- Enter actualSurfaceSlopeDegrees, actualBasalDipDegrees, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
- Read result.observedWedgeTaperDegrees. Interpret each field using the units, signs and evidence rules below.
- If input validation fails, correct the reported field and run again. Before applying a successful result, check the stated reference scope, units, assumptions and any retained unknown evidence.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| actualSurfaceSlopeDegrees | Actual surface slope degrees | number | Required |
| actualBasalDipDegrees | Actual basal dip degrees | number | Required |
Require finite surface-slope and basal-dip angles whose individual absolute values and summed absolute value are each strictly below 90 degrees. Return their signed sum. No basal friction, cohesion or force-balance calculation determines criticality.
observedTaperDegrees=surfaceSlopeDegrees+basalDipDegrees, each angle and sum within (−90,90) Apply the field units and exact ordering, boundary and evidence rules above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| result | Structured result containing the calculation or selected reference fields below | object |
| result.observedWedgeTaperDegrees | Observed Wedge Taper Degrees; use the units, sign convention and calculation stated above | number |
{
"input": {
"actualSurfaceSlopeDegrees": 5,
"actualBasalDipDegrees": 3
},
"output": {
"result": {
"observedWedgeTaperDegrees": 8
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
A measured geometric taper does not establish a critical mechanical state. Results depend on the independently established measurement basis and the exact model assumptions above.
Every listed input requires an explicit value. Unexpected fields, incorrect value types, nonfinite numbers and sparse numeric arrays fail validation; tool-specific bounds and alignment rules apply as described above. Extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. An input error is distinct from a successful calculation that reports a false comparison or retains unknown evidence.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Geology Subduction Slab Dip Calculator to examine a related aspect: Slab dip relates a reconstructed depth difference to horizontal projection.
Use Geology Paleoslope Calculator where its separate inputs and scope apply: A reconstructed paleoslope relates signed vertical drop to horizontal run.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Geology Subduction Slab Dip Calculator
Slab dip relates a reconstructed depth difference to horizontal projection.
- Geology Paleoslope Calculator
A reconstructed paleoslope relates signed vertical drop to horizontal run.