Physical Processes Model: Main Page

Introduction

This conceptual model examines the physical and chemical drivers (shown in pink and light blue below) that affect DO concentrations in the San Joaquin River. Because these five primary and eleven secondary drivers affect the river in different ways, depending on location, the river has been divided into three reaches, shown below and described in more detail in Geographic Scope). Click on one of the reaches in the map below or on the diagrams to learn more about the drivers operating in that reach. Click here to see a graphic depicting all the drivers.

The model focuses on the DWSC (i.e., Reach 3) because DO concentrations frequently drop below the standards in the Basin Plan (California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Region 2004) and because numerous resource management documents identify low DO concentrations in the DWSC as an area of concern.

To learn how to use this model or about the terms used in it, such as primary and secondary drivers, see About These Conceptual Models. Note that the designations primary and secondary denote a cause-and-effect relationship, rather than importance.

Click on the image at right to see a diagram of all primary and secondary drivers in this model.