Computer Simulation of Estuarial Networks: Fid-Bau Portal

Computer Simulation of Estuarial Networks

Shubinski, Robert P. / McCarty, James C. / Lindorf, Marvin R.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta of California comprises approximately 700 miles of interconnected tidal channels that receive drainage from the 64,000 sq-mile central valley basin. Waters flowing from the Delta pass through the San Francisco Bay system on their way to the Pacific Ocean. This paper describes the development of a mathematical model that characterizes the dynamic tidal hydraulic conditions in the Delta network and its application to the prediction of water quality. The basic hydraulic conditions of surface water inflow, Delta consumptive uses, export demands, outflow, and tidal action are used as inputs to the model. A high speed digital computer program is described that will treat up to 1,000 channel reaches interconnected at up to 750 junctions. Output gives values for input conditions, total head, velocity, surface width, and flow at selected points in both space and time. Other programs make possible salt routing on the basis of net flows and complete mixing. Limitations of this procedure are recognized and plans for the development of a dynamic water quality program are considered.