i08 C2VSimFG Element Centroids

There is a total of 32, 537 elements (centroids) within the C2VSimFG model, which make up the finite element mesh of the model. The elements are subdivided into 21 subregions. Each element is composed of corresponding groundwater nodes within the model domain. The model domain area is 20, 742 square miles, and the average element size is roughly 407 acres. The boundaries of the model grid were developed using a set of control points at important locations of the model area. The finite grid mesh was created using GIS and several Excel and FORTRAN utilities. The grid size was refined in areas of higher groundwater gradient and/or areas that are more critical from hydrogeological viewpoints. The grid lines are designed parallel to the streamflow direction, when possible, as well as the groundwater streamlines, to capture the surface and subsurface drainage patterns. Nine major faults in the Central Valley are represented by thin strip of elements of around 500 feet. The dataset excludes three geologic outcrops: Sutter Buttes, Kettleman Hills and Capay Valley Hills, which are areas not included in the Bulletin 118. The dataset is maintained by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Office, Modeling and Tools Support Section.