As part of the CASCaDE project (Computational Assessments of Scenarios of Change for the Delta Ecosystem), we are adapting and developing hydrologic, hydrodynamic, and biological models of the Bay-Delta watershed and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. These represent only 2 of 7 modeling components (from climate to clams and fish) that will be linked with the goal of forecasting future states of the Delta ecosystem under prescribed scenarios of change induced by factors such as global warming, water and ecosystem management, land use, and earthquakes. The hydrologic model will assess responses of the watershed to these changes and simulate responses of streamflow, water temperature, and salinity. This component provides inputs to the Delta model, which will compute hydrodynamics (velocity, stage) throughout the Delta region for the various scenarios of change. This three-dimensional model is currently being enhanced to compute temperature and phytoplankton dynamics within the Delta. The output from the Delta model will be used in assessments of sediment, geomorphology, invasive species (clams, vegetation), contaminants, and fish.
San Francisco Bay and Delta PES Projects
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