This archive contains answers to questions sent to Unidata support through mid-2025. Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated. For the most up-to-date information on the use of NSF Unidata software and data services, please consult the Software Documentation first.
Chris, NSHARP defaults to the most unstable level unless you have set the level to do the PARCEL from. The GFUNC expression will use the information from the level you provided. The only other difference to check is that NSHARP only plots data to 100mb, whereas the GFUNC calculation will keep lifting to higher levels if they exist and assuming you havn't run into the negative levels by theat point. Steve Chiswell Unidata User Support > Hey, > > I have a quick question on computations I made a while back. I am getting > differences in the results for CAPE when comparing GEMPAK and NSHARP that are > not substantial (like usually less than 100 J/kg) but still has me curious. > > In GEMPAK, I use the following specification for several different pressure > levels: > > GFUNC = CAPE(pres,hght,tvrc,dwpc) > > Both this computation and NSHARP utilize a virtual temperature correction. > So what is the crucial detail and difference I'm missing? > > Thank you in advance, > Chris > > ___________________________________________________________ > Christopher J. Melick > Ph.D. Student, Atmospheric Science > Department of Soil, Env, and Atmos Sciences > University of Missouri-Columbia > 302 ABNR Building > Columbia, MO 65211 > > address@hidden > (573)-239-3999 cell > (573)-882-7739 work > > > > > Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: UMR-423080 Department: Support GEMPAK Priority: Normal Status: Closed