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The Model consists of a scale representation of San Francisco Bay and seventeen miles of the contiguous Pacific Ocean. It was constructed in 1956-57 as part of the comprehensive survey of the bay as authorized by Section 110 of the River and Harbor Act of 1950. The Delta portion was added to the Model in 1966-69 to provide information for studies concerning impacts of the deepening of navigation channels, realignment of Delta channels and various flow arrangements on water quality. Over the years there developed a need for greater sophistication in the Model. This included the ability to detect small changes associated with planned projects and to better understand the system. A major upgrade of the Model was made with the computerized data acquisition system in February 1983. The use of the minicomputers has continually been expanded with computerization of the tide controls, checking of other controls and boundary conditions, and analysis and presentation of the test results. The research department of the Bay Model was closed in 2000, but the model continues to operate as a public education center. As the mission of the Bay Model moves away from scientific research and more toward interpretation and education, the associated Visitor Center and interpretive staff continues to provide public programs focusing on water policy and environmental issues relevant to the Bay and Delta regions. |
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