An SF₆ tracer study of the flow dynamics in the stockton deep water ship channel: Implications for dissolved oxygen dynamics

A sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) tracer release experiment was conducted in the Stockton Deep Water Ship Channel (DWSC) to quantify mixing and transport rates. SF₆ was injected in the San Joaquin River upstream of the DWSC and mapped for 8 days. From the temporal change in SF₆ distributions, the longitudinal dispersion coefficient (K _x ) was determined to be 32.7 ± 3.6 m² s^-1 and the net velocity was 1.75 ± 0.03 km day^-1. Based on the decrease in SF₆ inventory during the experiment, the pulsed residence time for waters in the DWSC was estimated at ∼17 days. Within the DWSC from Stockton downstream to Turner Cut, dissolved oxygen concentrations maintained a steady state value of 4 mg l^-1. These values are below water quality objectives for the time of year. The low flow rates observed in the DWSC and the inability of oxygen-rich waters from downstream to mix into the DWSC upstream of Turner Cut contribute to the low dissolved oxygen concentration.