Three Dimensional Particle Tracking Model for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

by Tara A. Smith,
Gilbert V. Bogle, (M.ASCE),



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: North American Water and Environment Congress & Destructive Water

Abstract:

Flows into and out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are presently regulated in part by threatened and endangered fish species concerns. To aid in planning future project operations, a quasi three dimensional particle tracking model (DSM2-PTM) was developed and is being applied to simulate the transport and fate of biological species. The Delta is modeled as a network of hundreds of channel segments connected by junctions. The PTM model utilizes one dimensional velocity results from a hydrodynamics model and then applies vertical and transverse velocity profiles to the individual particles traveling through the channels. In order to fully represent the physical processes associated with three dimensional movement of neutrally buoyant particles, the model also simulates transverse and vertical mixing. For non-neutrally buoyant particles such as biological species, other factors such as settling velocity and mortality are also simulated. This paper describes the current PTM, its capabilities, and its limitations in modeling the movement and fate of biological species within the Delta.

Subject Headings: Three-dimensional models | Particle velocity | Particles | Fish and fishery management | Biological processes | Velocity profile | Tracking

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