Model Inputs & Generation

Overview of Model Inputs

Although we try to keep this documentation up-to-date, the absolute most up-to-date files and inputs are in the templates folder in the GitHub repository.

For the core functionality of the model, there are three main categories of SCHISM inputs for the Bay-Delta model. These are:

• Spatial Inputs and the Preprocessor

• Timeseries Inputs

• Spatio-Temporal Inputs

Spatial Inputs and the Preprocessor

The preprocessor is a powerful tool for preparing spatial inputs, including the mesh and bathymetry, for your model run. It can be used to apply templates, modify existing runs, and configure input parameters through YAML files.

Spatial preprocessing also locates and configures hydraulic structures such as gates, barriers, weirs and culverts. Read that guide when a study changes a structure location or type, adds a restoration control, or needs structure time-history inputs; these changes must remain consistent with the mesh and the generated hydraulics.in file.

• Mesh Input File
• Preprocesing Spatial Data
• Vegetation

Boundaries and Sources: Time-Varying Inputs

The timeseries inputs are the files that are not sensitive to the geometry of the mesh. These boundary conditions are generated from observed data for a hindcast.

• Bay Delta Boundaries
• Prepare Ocean Boundary (elev2D.th.nc)
• Ocean Boundary Stabilization: Barotropic Warmup (uv3D.th.nc)
• Inflow/Outflow Boundaries (flux.th)
• Atmospheric setup (sflux_*.nc)
• Key Run Parameters and Gotchas

Run Initialization and Nudging: Spatio-Temporal Inputs

Some files are sensitive to not only geometry but also time, such as the hotstart and nudging files which reference a specific start date and time.

• Nudging Files
• Run Initialization and Restart (Hotstart)