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Simulation Databases

The Virtual Columbia River includes self-redundant long-term simulation databases of 4D (space-time) circulation, designed to characterize contemporary variability and change. Using realistic bathymetry and external forcing, these databases are the foundation for a Climatological Atlas of the Columbia River coastal margin.

Simulation coverage

Legend
Results
available
In queue Not available
Note: An asterisk in a table cell indicates there are partial results for that year. Years link to products.

All databases start January 1, 1999, and all are based on unstructured grid models (currently SELFE, historically also ELCIRC). Databases differ in domain (river-to-shelf or estuary-focus) and/or modeling choices (e.g., discretization, numerical algorithms, and/or physical parameterization). 

Thirty one simulation databases (numbered sequentially, with the number preceded by DB) have been started. We actively maintain at least two databases at any given time, and store results for selected others after they become inactive. Maintenance implies keeping the database current through the “present”, which is defined operationally.

• DB33 (reference): grid improvements, refactored version of SELFE, river-to-shelf reference
• DB31 (inactive): refined grid - improved 2012 bathymetry,
• DB22 (inactive): targeted improved representation of temperature
• DB14 (inactive): Improvements in plume and estuarine dynamics over previous databases

The table above provides an inventory of simulation databases for which products are available. The original model output files are stored for the reference hindcast only (presently DB33).