Description
Return their width and width times the average endpoint height relative to referenceHeight as signedArea.
Geomorphic geometry uses lengths, areas, volumes, and dimensionless shape ratios to summarize a feature. Grain axes, channel dimensions, and angular units need explicit definitions because similar field names can describe different measurements.
Return their width and width times the average endpoint height relative to referenceHeight as signedArea.
When to use this tool
Use Beach Profile Trapezoid Area Term when you need a geometric summary of a supplied landform or sediment measurement.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter firstDistance, secondDistance, firstHeight, secondHeight, referenceHeight. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read width, signedArea. Use the output convention below.
Require secondDistance no earlier than firstDistance. Return their width and width times the average endpoint height relative to referenceHeight as signedArea.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| firstDistance | First Distance | Required. Finite number. |
| secondDistance | Second Distance | Required. Finite number. |
| firstHeight | First Height | Required. Finite number. |
| secondHeight | Second Height | Required. Finite number. |
| referenceHeight | Reference Height | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| width | Width or interval span on the measurement basis above. | Required. Finite number. |
| signedArea | Signed Area | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"firstDistance": 0,
"secondDistance": 10,
"firstHeight": 3,
"secondHeight": 1,
"referenceHeight": 0
},
"output": {
"width": 10,
"signedArea": 20
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- All horizontal and vertical lengths use a coherent basis; this is one signed cross-section panel rather than a whole beach area, sediment volume, or observed change.
- 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
Inspect the measured feature and sampling method for the intended geometric definition. Use a spatial model or complete distribution when a single shape ratio or local term is insufficient.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Drainage Density Map Length Area Factor
Convert length and area independently and divide physicalLength by physicalArea.
- Profile Curvature Sign Term
Take the sign of supplied secondDerivative and reverse it when elevationPositiveUp is false.