metpy.calc.boyden_index

[raybellwaves]

What should we add?

Add boyden index to https://unidata.github.io/MetPy/latest/api/generated/metpy.calc.html#soundings (https://github.com/Unidata/MetPy/blob/main/src/metpy/calc/thermo.py)

I would like the boyden index to be added to metpy to help me understand the units.

I believe it fits metpy.calc.thermo which is a growing guide of meteorological indices/calculation.

I understand the the calculation is quite simple and therefore may not be worth adding to the API.

Reference

https://resources.eumetrain.org/data/1/15/stability.htm

https://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Boyden_index

Boyden, C. J. 1963. Meteor. Mag.. 92. 198–210.

Boyden Index = Z(700-1000) - T700 - 200

[sgdecker]

I agree that the Boyden Index is in the same vein as existing calculations like Total Totals, K Index, etc., which MetPy does calculate. So it would be worthwhile to include for completeness. But I wouldn't add it to understand the units! In fact. the implementation would need to strip units from the various ingredients to work, similar to what the sweat_index function does.