Integrated Modeling Framework

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a complex ecosystem that requires diverse models and tools to understand the multi-layered interactions between its environment and human dimensions. With many, and sometimes competing, interests across the region, robust modeling tools that integrate multiple factors are needed to forecast the outcome of management and climate scenarios for wildlife habitat, water supply and water quality, economics, social impacts, and others. The Integrated Modeling Framework (IMF) effort aims to build upon the work of the Integrated Modeling Steering Committee (IMSC) which was a collaborative group providing leadership for increased capacity for modeling tools needed for science-based decision-making in the Delta. The 2023 Integrated Modeling Framework Workshop marks a transition from the IMSC’s important and foundational work into an implementation phase of the vision.

The importance of integrated modeling and forecasting to support decision-making was highlighted in two key venues for collaborative science in the Delta in 2016 and these events led to the formation of the IMSC and the current IMF effort:

  1. A Delta Independent Science Board’s (Delta ISB’s) 2016 letter to key Delta decision-makers
  2. Recommendations from the 2016 Science Enterprise Workshop
  3. 2023 Integrated Modeling Framework Workshop Summary

With further support from the Delta Plan Interagency Implementation Committee (DPIIC), the IMSC was established in the fall of 2017 with the ultimate goal of creating a plan for a future collaborative modeling community that can directly support decision-makers with complex and dynamic questions in the Delta region. Led by the Delta Science Program, the IMSC brought together managers and modeling experts from state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, private consultants, academia, and more. The IMF used the work of the IMSC as a launch pad for scoping the IMF workshop where detailed suggestions for implementation where discussed. A summary of the 2023 IMF workshop is located below. Those interested in joining the Integrated Modeling Framework effort are encouraged to contact hello@deltacouncil.ca.gov.

Integrated Modeling Framework Workshop: One Delta, One Science, One Modeling Framework

When: February 28 & March 1, 2023 – 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: This workshop was held as a hybrid workshop.

Event Details: The Delta Science Program hosted a two-day hybrid workshop to discuss the next steps in developing a modeling framework and virtual collaborative center to integrate science, data, and models to better tackle environmental management challenges in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The workshop explored case studies, shared success stories from other systems, and included presentations, panel discussions, and breakout groups. The outcomes of the workshop include strategies for implementing the framework and a virtual collaborative modeling center. More details are provided in the workshop summary.

The IMSC has guided Tetra Tech in its effort to create four technical memos and a synthesis paper - to be posted on this web page in the fall of 2020. These form the building blocks of a solid integrated modeling community.

The reports include Modeling Best Practices, Survey of Integrated Modeling Applications, Technological Challenges and Solutions, and Synthesis papers (Management Summary and Synthesis Report) to bring it all together.

An online living modeling inventory is also available that provides descriptions and features of models currently used in the Delta for engineering, biophysical, and social science disciplines.

Questions?

To request regular updates on the IMSC or additional information regarding its work, please contact Ben Geske at Ben.Geske@deltacouncil.ca.gov.