I agree with Ag. I don't think it's helpful to use symbols for physical
quantities. We do use symbols for mathematical quantities which seems
unavoidable. However,
upward_air_velocity_expressed_as_tendency_of_air_pressure has a sign
problem. "upward" means positive values are upward, but omega is negative
for upward motion. So the name should begin with "downward" which has the
correct sign, or "vertical" which doesn't specify the direction. I think
my preference would be "vertical".
The table also has the entry
upward_air_velocity_expressed_as_tendency_of_sigma which has the same sign
problem. In addition this name uses the term "sigma" which is not
explained in the "help". It would be helpful to have a comment that says
"sigma" refers to "atmosphere_sigma_coordinate".
As an aside, the term "expressed_as" probably should be included in the
"guidelines" doc.
Brian
On Thu, Nov 27, 2003 at 12:13:38PM +0000, Jonathan Gregory wrote:
> Dear Ag
>
> > omega (Pa s-1)
> >
> > What was the rationale behind calling it 'omega' rather than upward_velocity
> > or upward_wind or upward_air_velocity.
>
> It's because this quantity is always called omega. Systematically it could
> be named upward_air_velocity_expressed_as_tendency_of_air_pressure but omega
> is more familiar. upward_air_velocity (in m s-1) is also in the table.
>
> Does anyone else have comments on this?
>
> Cheers
>
> Jonathan
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Received on Tue Dec 02 2003 - 08:33:51 GMT
