Document Details

Conceptual model for salinity in the Central Valley and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

CALFED Bay Delta Program (CALFED) | July 13th, 2007


This report examines the state of knowledge about the causes of salinity increase in the system and opportunities to improve the Delta as a source of municipal and agricultural water supply. It begins with background information about salinity, its measurement, and its impacts. Following that, we present observed salinity in the Bay-Delta system. The conceptual models section, the core of this report, then seeks to explain the forces and processes (drivers) that cause the salinity patterns we observe. The computational models section introduces some of the tools available to assist with salinity management and planning. The last chapter explores the implications of the conceptual model for monitoring and management of salinity.

Keywords

modeling, planning and management, Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, salinity, water quality