Model input files for the lower Nooksack River and delta, western Washington State

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What does this data set describe?

Title:
Model input files for the lower Nooksack River and delta, western Washington State
Abstract:
This data set consists of physics-based Delft3D-Flexible Mesh hydrodynamic model input files that are used to simulate compound flood exposure of the lower Nooksack River and delta of western Washington State under existing and future conditions of anticipated climate and land-use change. The model enables assessment of the changing flood exposure associated with the cumulative impacts of expected sea-level rise, greater tidal inundation, more frequent storm surge effects, and higher winter stream floods in the 2040s and 2080s. The model also accounts for proposed flood mitigation strategies, and recently observed decadal climate-driven sedimentation patterns. Example model input and configuration files are included for the base 2020 flood and the 2020 flood under the 2080s high change scenario and alternative 3B flood mitigation strategy.
Supplemental_Information:
This work is part of ongoing research and modeling efforts to evaluate hazards and inform resilient planning for our Nation's coasts, and in particular, evaluate the potential benefits and tradeoffs of nature-based solutions to address flood risk management. This work was funded by the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District and the United States Geological Survey as part of the Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound (CHIPS) and Coastal Change Hazards (CCH) Projects. The work was coordinated closely with the Nooksack Indian Tribe and Lummi Nation. Although this Federal Geographic Data Committee-compliant metadata file is intended to document the data set in nonproprietary form, as well as in Esri format, this metadata file may include some Esri-specific terminology. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this Federal Geographic Data Committee-compliant metadata file is intended to document the data set in nonproprietary form, as well as in Esri format, this metadata file may include some Esri-specific terminology.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Grossman, Eric E., vanArendonk, Nathan R., Nederhoff, Kees, and Parker, Kai A., 20230831, Model input files for the lower Nooksack River and delta, western Washington State: data release DOI:10.5066-P9DJM7X2, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, California.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Grossman, Eric E., vanArendonk, Nathan R., Nederhoff, Kees, and Parker, Kai A., 2023, Model input and projections of compound floodwater depths for the lower Nooksack River and delta, western Washington State: data release DOI:10.5066/P9DJM7X2, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -122.70768
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -122.48246
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 48.84569
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 48.73793
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 2019
    Ending_Date: 2023
    Currentness_Reference:
    start of project work through publication year
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: various model input files
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      Indirect_Spatial_Reference:
      The model input files for Delft3D Flexible Mesh are for the lower Nooksack River and delta in Whatcom County, northwestern Washington State. Setup included is for the January 8, 2009 flood and February 2, 2020 flood under existing conditions and for the 2080 mean change alternative 3B scenario.
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
      UTM_Zone_Number: 10
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -123.00000
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.00000
      False_Easting: 500000.0
      False_Northing: 0.00
      Planar coordinates are encoded using row and column
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 5
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 5
      Planar coordinates are specified in Meters
      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
      The ellipsoid used is GRS 1980.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222101.
      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Altitude_System_Definition:
      Altitude_Datum_Name: North American Vertical Datum of 1988
      Altitude_Resolution: 0.01
      Altitude_Distance_Units: meters
      Altitude_Encoding_Method:
      Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    Model setup files include all files necessary to run the Delft3D Flexible Mesh compound flood model of the lower Nooksack River referred to as Reach 1 with the combined influence of tides, storm surge, and stream discharge for the February 2, 2020 flood and for the projected changes in sea level for the mean 2080s change in sea level and stream discharge for the February 2, 2020 flood with Alternative 3B.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
    Model setup files for Delft3D Flexible Mesh created in version 1.2.104.66878M. The entity and attribute information were generated by the individual and/or agency identified as the originator of the data set. Please review the rest of the metadata record for additional details and information.

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • Eric E. Grossman
    • Nathan R. vanArendonk
    • Kees Nederhoff
    • Kai A. Parker
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-427-4747 (voice)
    pcmsc_data@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

The numerical compound flood model makes detailed predictions (meter-scale) of flood extent and depth over large geographic scales associated with the individual and/or cumulative influence of sea level position, tides, storm surge and stream discharge over existing topography along with model elevation modifications for flood mitigation strategies and channel bed sedimentation patterns that affect flow conveyance and flood risk. These input files provide the setup for simulations discussed in Grossman and others, 2023). These data are intended for science researchers, technical users, and students.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 15-Jan-2021 (process 1 of 3)
    Generated 2D grid across domain and 1D nodes as cross-channel transects along the mainstem Nooksack River and distributary channel modifications identified as potential alternatives in Whatcom County Public Works (2017). The model nodes were populated with elevation data of Tyler and others (2020) for existing conditions. Modifications of model grid elevations for flood mitigation alternatives and decadal-scale bed aggradation patterns were made by prescribing channels across the floodplain following specifications in Whatcom County Public Works (2017) and by raising stream bed elevations 1 m across ~4-km length sub-reaches of the mainstem Nooksack River channel after (Anderson and Grossman, 2017; Anderson and others, 2019) and described in Grossman and others (2023). The model setup is in the planar Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 10 North coordinate system in meters and elevations in meters are referenced to NAVD88. Model grids are provided in the folder titled "grd" located in the model setup folder for each flood scenario.
    Date: 15-May-2021 (process 2 of 3)
    Boundary condition time-series forcing of coastal water levels accounting for tides and storm surge measured at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cherry Point tide gage (station 9449424) were developed for the marine boundaries for 2009 and 2020 flood events. Sea-level position was adjusted for the estimated mean and high change in sea-level position the 2040s and 2080s after Miller and others (2018) as described in Grossman and others (2023). Stream discharge as recorded at the USGS streamgage at Ferndale (Station #12213100) was prepared for the freshwater boundary for the 2009 and 2020 flood events and adjusted for the estimated mean and high change in winter peak stream discharge in the 2040s and 2080s after Hamlet and others (2013) as described in Grossman and other (2023). Boundary conditions are provided in the folder "boundary_conditions".
    Date: 15-Sep-2021 (process 3 of 3)
    Model input files for the January 8, 2009 flood and February 2, 2020 flood under existing conditions and for the 2080 mean change alternative 3B scenario were compressed into .zip files.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Grossman, Eric E., vanArendonk, Nathan R., and Nederhoff, Kees, 2023, Compound flood model for the lower Nooksack River and delta, western Washington--Assessment of vulnerability and nature-based adaptation opportunities to mitigate higher sea level and stream flooding.

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Grossman, E.E., vanArendonk, N.R., and Nederhoff, K., 2023, Compound flood model for the lower Nooksack River and delta, western Washington—Assessment of vulnerability and nature-based adaptation opportunities to mitigate higher sea level and stream flooding: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5047, 49 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235047.
    Anderson, Scott W., and Grossman, Eric E., 2017, Topographic and bathymetric elevation data for the Nooksack River, Fall 2015.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Anderson, S.W., and Grossman, E.E., 2017, Topographic and bathymetric elevation data for the Nooksack River, Fall 2015: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F72B8W7M.
    Anderson, Scott W., Konrad, Christopher P., and Grossman, Eric E., 2019, Sediment storage and transport in the Nooksack River basin, northwestern Washington, 2006--15.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Anderson, S.W., Konrad, C.P., Grossman, E.E., and Curran, C.A., 2019, Sediment storage and transport in the Nooksack River basin, northwestern Washington, 2006--15: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2019-5008, 43 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20195008.
    Hamlet, Alan F., Elsner, Marketa M., Mauger, Guillaume S., Lee, Se-Yeun, Tohver, Ingrid, and Norheim, R. A., 2013, Overview of the Columbia Basin Climate Change Scenarios Project: Approach, Methods, and Summary of Key Results.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Hamlet, A.F., Elsner, M.M., Mauger, G.S., Lee, S., Tohver, I., and Norheim, R.A., 2013, An Overview of the Columbia Basin Climate Change Scenarios Project: Approach, Methods, and Summary of Key Results: Atmosphere-Ocean, v. 51, p. 392-415, https://doi.org/10.1080/07055900.2013.819555.
    Miller, Ian M., Morgan, Harriet, Mauger, Guillaume S., Newton, Tyler, Weldon, Ray, Schmidt, David, Welch, Mark, and Grossman, Eric, 2018, Projected Sea Level Rise for Washington State ñ A 2018 Assessment.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Miller, I.M., Morgan, H., Mauger, G., Newton, T., Weldon, R., Schmidt, D., Welch, M., Grossman, E. 2018. Projected Sea Level Rise for Washington State--A 2018 Assessment. A collaboration of Washington Sea Grant, University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, Oregon State University, University of Washington, and US Geological Survey. Prepared for the Washington Coastal Resilience Project, 24 p., https://cig.uw.edu/projects/projected-sea-level-rise-for-washington-state-a-2018-assessment/, last accessed, 3/2/2023.
    Tyler, D.J., Danielson, J.J., Grossman, E.E., and Hockenberry, R.J., 2020, Topobathymetric Model of Puget Sound, Washington, 1887 to 2017.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Tyler, D.J., Danielson, J.J., Grossman, E.E., and Hockenberry, R.J. 2020. Topobathymetric Model of Puget Sound, Washington, 1887 to 2017: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P95N6CIT.
    Whatcom County Public Works, 2017, System-Wide Improvement Framework: unpublished report prepared for Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District.

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Whatcom County Public Works, 2017, System-Wide Improvement Framework: unpublished report prepared for Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District, 67 p.; https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/26159/Nooksack-SWIF--Revised-for-ACOE-Comments-Mar-2017?bidId=, last accessed, 6/15/2022.

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    Model setup is validated for water levels spanning several site and months across the domain and for two historical flood events across the floodplain as described in Grossman and others (2023).
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Data are concurrent with the referenced Digital Elevation Model (Tyler and others, 2020).
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Model-derived data for existing conditions are accurate at available observation sites within published uncertainty bounds of ~0.3 m (~1 ft).
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Dataset is considered complete for the information presented.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Data have undergone QA/QC and fall within expected/reasonable ranges.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints None
Use_Constraints USGS-authored or produced data and information are in the public domain from the U.S. Government and are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize and acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey and Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District as the originator(s) of the dataset and in products derived from these data. This information is not intended for navigation purposes.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey - CMGDS
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-427-4747 (voice)
    pcmsc_data@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable Delft3D flexible Mesh numerical model input files for the January 8, 2009 flood and the February 2, 2020 flood under the 2080 mean and alternative 3B change scenario.
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
    • Availability in digital form:
      Data format: Zip file contains various model setup files. in format various model input files Size: 13.7
      Network links: https://doi.org/10.5066/P9DJM7X2
    • Cost to order the data: None.

  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    These data can be viewed with software that reads text and netCDF file formats.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 31-Aug-2023
Metadata author:
U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
2885 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA

831-427-4747 (voice)
pcmsc_data@usgs.gov
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/pcmsc/DataReleases/CMGDS_DR_tool/DR_P9DJM7X2/model_setup_files_metadata.faq.html>
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