Hydrodynamic Simulation of Circulation and Residence Time in Clifton Court Forebay

• Published in: San Francisco estuary and watershed science Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 1 - 30
• Main Authors: MacWilliams, Michael, Gross, Edward
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Brackish; Hypomesus transpacificus; INE, USA, California, San Francisco Estuary
• ISSN: 1546-2366; 1546-2366
• DOI: 10.15447/sfews.2013v11iss2art1

Circulation in Clifton Court Forebay (CCF) was simulated using the three-dimensional (3-D) hydrodynamic model UnTRIM. These numerical simulations were performed to provide a better understanding of circulation patterns, flow pathways, and residence time in Clifton Court Forebay in support of ongoing studies of pre-screen loss and fish facility efficiency for delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) at the California State Water Project (SWP) export facilities. The 3-D hydrodynamic model of CCF was validated through comparisons to observed water surface elevations inside CCF, and comparisons to observed drifter paths and velocity measurements collected by the U.S. The average transit time, indicating the time from entering CCF to reaching the fish facility, was estimated as 9.1 days for low export conditions and 4.3 days for moderate export conditions. These transport time scale estimates may be used to inform estimates of pre-screen losses inside CCF due to predation or other causes.