As global warming continues over the next several decades, the ecological pressure on the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta will intensify, increasing the risk of extinction of some species, according to a first-of-its-kind study recently published.
The Delta Science Program supported study, Computational Assessments of Scenarios of Change for the Delta Ecosystem (CASCaDE), explored cascading effects of global climate change on the system—a "flash forward" to what the Bay and Delta could become by the end of this century.
The State of the San Francisco Estuary Conference, a biennial assessment of the ecological health of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary, was held on September 20-21, 2011 in Oakland, California, and attracted more than 700 scientists, planners, policy and decision-makers and interested citizens.
Plenary sessions were held each morning of the conference and concurrent sessions on four topics were held each afternoon: 1) species/restoration, 2) management challenges, 3) water quality and 4) sustainable communities. The first plenary session focused on the recently released report, The State of San Francisco Bay 2011 with presentations on how indicators of Bay health were assessed and what they mean.
Scientific Modeling 101
What are models?
The latest in a line of cars? Tiny trains steaming through miniature landscapes? Long mathematical equations full of unpronounceable symbols? Colorful boxes of different shapes and sizes connected by lots of arrows?
Models are all these things, and more...
The Delta Independent Science Board (Delta ISB) is beginning a review of the scientific research, monitoring, and assessment programs that support adaptive management of the Delta. To prepare for these reviews, which are required by the Delta Reform Act of 2009, the Delta ISB is seeking advice on key issues regarding the organization and operation of science in the Delta to help develop its oversight and review criteria.
