UnTRIM
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Coastal and EstuarineModeling the Estuary: The UnTRIM Bay-Delta Model
The UnTRIM San Francisco Bay-Delta model is a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model that simulates the complex water movement across the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Extending from the Pacific Ocean through the Delta’s intricate network of channels, the model captures the full scale of estuarine dynamics in a single, integrated system. Developed using an unstructured mesh, the model allows for flexible grid resolution—larger grid cells in the open ocean and finer resolution in narrow Delta channels—balancing computational efficiency with local precision.
Calibrated for Accuracy Across the Bay-Delta System
The UnTRIM Bay-Delta model has undergone extensive calibration using observed data on water levels, flows, velocities, and salinity collected throughout San Francisco Bay and the Delta. Comparisons between modeled and observed conditions—using data from NOAA, DWR, and USGS monitoring stations—have validated the model’s performance. This thorough calibration ensures accurate simulation of both tidal and riverine hydrodynamics, making the model a reliable tool for understanding estuarine processes.
A Trusted Tool for Bay-Delta Planning and Analysis
The UnTRIM Bay-Delta model has been widely used in support of water and ecosystem management by agencies such as the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Its ability to simulate regional hydrodynamics while providing fine-scale detail makes it an essential tool for evaluating restoration strategies, infrastructure impacts, and climate change scenarios throughout the Bay-Delta system.
