Similarly, outflowing waters are withdrawn from layers after considering layer densities, discharge rates, and outlet configuration. Reservoir outflows may take place according to a specified schedule of port releases. Alternately, specification of total release and desired release temperatures can be made. In this case, the model will select port flows. Continuous operation refers to normally uninterrupted port and weir outflows.
Scheduled operation refers to fluctuating generation outflows or pumpback inflows.
Vertical transport of thermal energy and materials occurs through entrainment and turbulent diffusion. Entrainment is a transport process that sharpens gradients and determines the depth of the upper mixed region and the onset of stratification. It is calculated from the turbulent kinetic energy influx generated by wind shear and convective mixing. Turbulent diffusion is a transport process that reduces gradients and is calculated using a turbulent diffusion coefficient that is dependent on wind speed, inflow and outflow magnitudes, and density stratification. The model can perform stochastic simulations using Monte Carlo methods.