How to use the secchi depth light extinction calculator
Estimate light extinction from Secchi disk depth. Enter secchi depth in the field above; the extinction coefficient, photic zone depth (1% light) are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Common searches this calculator answers include “water clarity”, “lake transparency”, “photic zone”, “calculate secchi depth light extinction”, “find extinction coefficient”.
Formula
Variables
- sd — Secchi depth (m)
Worked example
With secchi depth = 3 m, the calculator gives extinction coefficient ≈ 0.5666667 1/m; photic zone depth (1% light) ≈ 8.126471 m.
Frequently asked questions
What is the secchi depth light extinction calculator used for?
Estimate light extinction from Secchi disk depth. It helps with questions such as “water clarity”, “lake transparency”, “photic zone”.
What is the formula for the secchi depth light extinction calculation?
Extinction coefficient (1/m) = 1.7 / sd. Photic zone depth (1% light) (m) = 4.605 / [Extinction coefficient]. Here sd is secchi depth (m).
What inputs do I need for the secchi depth light extinction calculator?
You need secchi depth in m. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use the secchi depth light extinction calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the secchi depth light extinction result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.