Particle Tracking Model for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Bogle, Gilbert V.; Smith, Tara A.; Chung, Francis I.; ,

Particle Tracking Model for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

by Gilbert V. Bogle, Water Engineering and Modeling, Pasadena, United States,
Tara A. Smith, Water Engineering and Modeling, Pasadena, United States,
Francis I. Chung, Water Engineering and Modeling, Pasadena, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

A mathematical model has been developed to simulate the movement and fate of individual particles in a water column in an estuarine environment. The developed model not only keeps track of the locations of particles subject to complex movements, but also allows modeled particles to undergo various fates over time and space. Positions of particles are tracked on longitudinal and vertical directions within a channel grid. Theoretical and empirical equations are used to simulate the advective and dispersive movements of particles. Before the application of the developed model, therefore, it is necessary to have the one-dimensional flow field defined within channels through other means such as a one-dimensional hydrodynamics model. The one-dimensional flows within channels are expanded into a quasi two-dimensional plane within the developed model. Four fundamental kinetics are called on to describe the movement of particles in two dimensions: longitudinal advection, longitudinal dispersion, settling due to gravity (or rising due to buoyancy), and vertical mixing. The initial application of the model is made to simulate the fate and movement of Striped Bass eggs and larvae within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. In this application, the fates as well as the transport of the eggs and larvae are simulated. Calibration and verification of the model with the use of field data are discussed. Future application of the model will be expanded to other estuarine species.

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