Abstract
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.15447/sfews.2016v14iss2art2 We applied a water balance model to predict tidally averaged (subtidal) flows through the Old River and Middle River corridor in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. We reviewed the dynamics that govern subtidal flows and water levels and adopted a simplified representation. In this water balance approach, we estimated ungaged flows as linear functions of known (or specified) flows. We assumed that subtidal storage within the control volume varies because of fortnightly variation in subtidal water level, Delta inflow, and barometric pressure. The water balance model effectively predicts subtidal flows and approaches the accuracy of a 1–D Delta hydrodynamic model. We explore the potential to improve the approach by representing more complex dynamics and identify possible future improvements.
Highlights
Averaged flow through the Old River and Middle River (OMR) corridor is an important metric for describing hydrodynamics in the interior Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (Delta)
The local diversion term is omitted for simplicity and because its contribution to the accuracy of the Indian Slough flow estimate little affects the estimate of OMR flow
The influence of diversions on the flow split is important for low San Joaquin River flow conditions during which the fall head of Old River (HOR) barrier or the Grant Line Canal (GLC) barrier are installed, and we considered this influence for the regression analysis
Summary
Averaged (hereafter referred to as subtidal) flow through the Old River and Middle River (OMR) corridor is an important metric for describing hydrodynamics in the interior Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (Delta). As a result of south Delta water diversions, net flow through the corridor is typically in a landward (southerly) direction, except during times of high San Joaquin River inflow to the Delta. This so-called “reverse flow” affects Delta transport patterns and water residence times and has implications for water quality and ecology in the region (Glibert et al 2014). Movement of water from north to south generally improves water quality in the OMR corridor by pulling high-quality water from the Sacramento River into the interior Delta. Restrictions have been imposed on OMR flows as part of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service's Long-
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