Zonal Index Circulation Strength Calculator
Observed caller same-level/latitude zonal flow ring average with independent arc weights and explicit east-positive wind convention; not meridional pressure difference or blocking forecast. Caller independently establishes matching units, evidence, method edition and applicability; output is not compliance, diagnosis, work-safety approval, geological identity or validated hazard prediction.
Description
A zonal circulation index can summarize eastward flow around a matched ring.
A zonal circulation index can summarize eastward flow around a matched ring.1
Signed winds and arc weights determine this observed average.
When to use Zonal Index Circulation Strength Calculator
Use this tool to calculate or review the supplied observations under the stated rules. Match the observation method, units, averaging period and independently established reference.
How to use Zonal Index Circulation Strength Calculator and understand its results
- Match the observation method, units, averaging period and independently established reference.
- Enter callerMatchedEastwardRingWindsMS, callerRingArcWeights, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
- Read weightedSignedZonalIndexMS. Inspect nested result fields where present, and review unknown records separately from known matches.
- Correct any reported input issue and run again. Before using a successful result, check the stated units, signs, reference scope and observation coverage.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| callerMatchedEastwardRingWindsMS | Caller matched eastward ring winds m s | list of number | Required |
| callerRingArcWeights | Caller ring arc weights | list of number | Required |
Use aligned finite signed east-positive winds and nonnegative arc weights with positive total weight. Normalize weights and return their weighted wind sum. Negative output represents westward net flow under this convention.
index=Σwind_i weight_i/Σweight_i Use the matching field units and the exact boundary, ordering and reference rules above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| weightedSignedZonalIndexMS | Weighted signed zonal index m s; preserve the subtraction order and sign defined in the mechanics | number |
{
"input": {
"callerMatchedEastwardRingWindsMS": [
10,
-5,
5
],
"callerRingArcWeights": [
1,
2,
1
]
},
"output": {
"weightedSignedZonalIndexMS": 1.25
}
}Limitations and assumptions
The observations and reference conditions must be independently established. This result is a record summary or stated model screen, not an official warning or a validated event forecast.
Missing required fields, unknown fields, wrong types and violated rules return input issues. Numeric values and outputs must be finite. Lists and matrices must be dense, without missing cells. Numeric lists allow at most 10000 entries; ordinary string lists allow at most 128 strings of 128 UTF-16 units each; numeric matrices allow at most 128 rows and 128 columns, subject to narrower requirements above.
Alternative or Complementary methods
For a related step, use Indian Ocean Dipole Gradient Classifier: The Indian Ocean Dipole gradient compares western and eastern sea-surface-temperature anomalies on a matched baseline. For a complementary comparison, use Geostrophic Current From Slope Calculator: Geostrophic surface currents balance a sea-surface pressure gradient with the Coriolis effect.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Indian Ocean Dipole Gradient Classifier
The Indian Ocean Dipole gradient compares western and eastern sea-surface-temperature anomalies on a matched baseline.
- Geostrophic Current From Slope Calculator
Geostrophic surface currents balance a sea-surface pressure gradient with the Coriolis effect.