Mathematical Modeling of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Rayej, Mohammad; Chung, Francis; ,

Mathematical Modeling of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

by Mohammad Rayej, California Dep of Water Resources, Sacramento, United States,
Francis Chung, California Dep of Water Resources, Sacramento, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta consists of a complex network of interconnected channels, open bodies of water, dead-end sloughs, export pumps, reservoirs, tide gates and irrigation pumps. The complexity of the Delta is yet furthered by the tidal influence of the Pacific Ocean and highly variable inflows to the Delta. Uses of the Delta water have been diverse: municipal, industrial, agricultural, environmental, recreational, fish and wildlife. The active, diverse and at times conflicting uses of Delta water necessitated rigorous efforts to develop mathematical models as an aid to the management of the Delta. Several models have been developed and applied with varying degrees of success during the last couple of decades. The work presented herein describes a one-dimensional hydrodynamic-salinity simulation model currently used by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The model simulates reasonably well the flow circulation patterns and salinity movements in the network of the Delta channels. Applications of the model include short-term simulations to evaluate structural and non-structural (operational) measures on a temporary basis or long-term simulations to evaluate future management alternatives in the Delta.

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