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Tarang Khangaonkar

Tarang Khangaonkar

(206) 528-3053

Biography

Dr. Khangaonkar is a Program Manager specializing in Integrated Coastal Ocean Modeling at the PNNL Marine Sciences Laboratory operated by Battelle for U.S. Department of Energy. He provides senior leadership to PNNL’s activities in numerical modeling studies related to coastal ocean hydrodynamics, water quality, sediment transport, and fate and transport analysis. He has over 28 years of experience with various types of models capable of circulation, and water quality kinetics and has been involved with a number of water quality management studies. They include simulations of temperature response, calculations of dissolved oxygen (DO) depletions, sediment deposition, long-term effluent flushing and pH buffering, and performing diffuser design optimization. Many of these studies have been water quality impact assessments in support of hydropower FERC relicensing, mixing zone analysis for NPDES permitting, and TMDL assessments.

In response to a growing demand by the statewide community for a practical oceanographic modeling tool for water quality and ecosystem management, Dr. Khangaonkar and his team have led the development of a high resolution 3-D finite volume hydrodynamic and transport model for the Pacific Northwest region of Puget Sound & Georgia Basin (the Salish Sea), though support from USEPA and in collaboration with Washington State Dept. of Ecology. This model includes a comprehensive biogeochemical component and is becoming a “workhorse” for the analysis of water quality and circulation, nutrient pollution management, and response to sea level rise, climate change, and ocean acidification. Dr. Khangaonkar and his team have already conducted numerous applications of this tool to assist with nearshore habitat restoration planning and design, and analysis in support of re-establishment of fish migration pathways, and assessment of basin-wide water quality impacts. Dr. Khangaonkar currently serves on a steering committee for the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program - Modeling work group and is helping shape the region’s ecosystem modeling and analysis activities through a collaborative effort between agencies (USEPA, Ecology, NOAA, WDFW and others).

Dr. Khangaonkar also participates in the scientific and educational community with the following activities:

• Research Professor - Huxley College of the Environment, Department of Environmental Sciences, Western Washington University - provide seminars and mentor WWU graduate students, pursue opportunities for joint research programs, and identify and engage WWU students in research

• Estuarine & Coastal Modeling Conference Organizing Committee (2017) - Served on the organizing committee for ECM 2018 conference and helped steer the group towards selection of Seattle as the venue for 2018.

• PSEMP - Modeling Work Group - (Steering committee member) objective of this work group of local experts on modeling in the Puget Sound Ecosystem is to complement and supplement Puget Sound Environmental Monitoring (PSEMP) work groups that focus on data collection. Helped convince the stakeholders and U.S. EPA region 10 to select Salish Sea Model as the water quality management tool for the region.

• NWMOD - Invited speaker at the annual meeting and a member of the Northwest Modelers Group (U.S. EPA), which is a panel of regulatory agency experts on the use and application of water quality models. • SC2 - Founding member of Skagit Climate Science Consortium. A scientific body of technical experts from academia, federal, and state agencies, focused on climate change effects on Skagit watershed.

Research Interests

  • Coastal circulation and hydrodynamic modeling
  • Water quality and biogeochemical processes modeling
  • Effluent mixing and fate and transport modeling
  • Nearshore habitat restoration design
  • Climate change and sea level rise
  • Ocean acidification
  • Sediment transport and littoral processes
  • Toxics fate and transport modeling
  • Integrated modeling of riverine, floodplain, estuarine, and coastal watersheds

Education and Credentials

  • Registered Professional Engineer, Civil (#32167), Washington State, 1995 - present
  • Ph.D., Applied Marine Physics/Ocean Engineering, University of Miami, 1990
  • M.S., Ocean Engineering, University of Miami, 1988
  • B.S., Naval Architecture, Indian Institute of Technology, 1986

Affiliations and Professional Service

  • American Geophysical Union
  • American Society of Civil Engineers

Awards and Recognitions

  • Registered Professional Engineer, Civil (#32167), Washington State of Civil Engineers

PNNL Publications

2023

  • Khangaonkar T.P., and S. Yun. 2023. "Estuarine nutrient pollution impact reduction assessment through euphotic zone avoidance/bypass considerations." Frontiers in Marine Science 10. PNNL-SA-186440. doi:10.3389/fmars.2023.1192111

2022

  • Premathilake M., and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2022. "Explicit quantification of residence and flushing times in the Salish Sea using a sub-basin scale shoreline resolving model." Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 276. PNNL-SA-176901. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2022.108022

2021

  • Khangaonkar T.P., A. Nugraha, S. Yun, M. Premathilake, J.E. Keister, and J. Bos. 2021. "Propagation of the 2014-2016 Northeast Pacific Marine Heatwave through the Salish Sea." Frontiers in Marine Science 8. PNNL-SA-168752. doi:10.3389/fmars.2021.787604

2020

  • James A., J. Lanksbury, T.P. Khangaonkar, and J. West. 2020. "Evaluating Exposures of Bay Mussels (Mytilus trossulus) to Contaminants of Emerging Concern through Environmental Sampling and Hydrodynamic Modeling." Science of the Total Environment 709. PNNL-SA-150000. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136098
  • Tian Z., K. Peter, A. Gipe, H. Zhao, F. Hou, D.A. Wark, and T.P. Khangaonkar, et al. 2020. "Suspect and Nontarget Screening for Contaminants of Emerging Concern in an Urban Estuary." Environmental Science & Technology 54, no. 2:889-901. PNNL-SA-151250. doi:10.1021/acs.est.9b06126
  • Ward N.D., P. Megonigal, B. Bond-Lamberty, V.L. Bailey, D. Butman, E. Canuel, and H.L. Diefenderfer, et al. 2020. "Representing the Function and Sensitivity of Coastal Interfaces in Earth System Models." Nature Communications 11. PNNL-SA-147328. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16236-2

2019

  • Khangaonkar T.P., A. Nugraha, W. Xu, and K. Balaguru. 2019. "Salish Sea Response to Global Climate Change, Sea Level Rise, and Future Nutrient Loads." Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans 124, no. 6:3876-3904. PNNL-SA-143747. doi:10.1029/2018JC014670
  • Premathilake M., and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2019. "FVCOM-plume - A Three-dimensional Lagrangian Outfall Plume Dilution and Transport Model for Dynamic Tidal Environments: Model Development." Marine Pollution Bulletin 149. PNNL-SA-144750. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110554

2018

  • Hall J.E., T.P. Khangaonkar, C.A. Rice, J. Chamberlin, T. Zackery, F. Leonetti, and M. Rustay, et al. 2018. "Characterization of Salinity and Temperature Patterns in a Large River Delta to Support Tidal Wetland Habitat Restoration." Northwest Science 92, no. 1:36-52. PNNL-SA-136188. doi:10.3955/046.092.0105
  • Khangaonkar T.P., A. Nugraha, and T. Wang. 2018. "Hydrodynamic Zone of Influence Due to a Floating Structure in a Fjordal Estuary-Hood Canal Bridge Impact Assessment." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 6, no. 4:Article No. 119. PNNL-SA-146774. doi:10.3390/jmse6040119
  • Khangaonkar T.P., A. Nugraha, W. Xu, W. Long, L. Bianucci, A. Ahmed, and T.M. Mohamedali, et al. 2018. "Analysis of Hypoxia and Sensitivity to Nutrient Pollution in Salish Sea." Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans 123, no. 7:4735-4761. PNNL-SA-135617. doi:10.1029/2017JC013650
  • Nugraha A., and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2018. "Detailed Hydrodynamic Feasibility Assessment for Leque Island and Zis a Ba Restoration Projects." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 6, no. 4:Article No. 140. PNNL-SA-141524. doi:10.3390/jmse6040140
  • Thom R.M., J. Gaeckle, K.E. Buenau, A.B. Borde, J. Vavrinec, L.M. Aston, and D.L. Woodruff, et al. 2018. "Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) Restoration in Puget Sound: Development of a Site Suitability Assessment Process." Restoration Ecology 26, no. 6:1066-1074. PNNL-SA-128364. doi:10.1111/rec.12702

2017

  • Khangaonkar T.P., A. Nugraha, S. Hinton, D.R. Michalsen, and S.H. Brown. 2017. "Sediment Transport into the Swinomish Navigation Channel, Puget Sound-Habitat Restoration versus Navigation Maintenance Needs." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 5, no. 2:Article No. 19. PNNL-SA-125518. doi:10.3390/jmse5020019
  • Khangaonkar T.P., W. Long, and W. Xu. 2017. "Assessment of Circulation and Inter-Basin Transport in the Salish Sea including Johnstone Strait and Discovery Islands Pathways." Ocean Modelling 109. PNNL-SA-122703. doi:10.1016/j.ocemod.2016.11.004
  • Whiting J.M., T. Wang, and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2017. Hydrodynamic Model Development and Application for Restoration Alternatives Assessment - Skagit Delta Hydrodynamic Modeling Project (SHDM). PNNL-26867. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Hydrodynamic Model Development and Application for Restoration Alternatives Assessment - Skagit Delta Hydrodynamic Modeling Project (SHDM)

2016

  • Gill G.A., L. Kuo, C.J. Janke, J. Park, R.T. Jeters, G.T. Bonheyo, and H. Pan, et al. 2016. "The Uranium from Seawater Program at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Overview of Marine Testing, Adsorbent Characterization, Adsorbent Durability, Adsorbent Toxicity, and Deployment Studies." Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research 55, no. 15:4264-4277. PNNL-SA-113457. doi:10.1021/acs.iecr.5b03649
  • Khangaonkar T., W. Long, B. Sackman, T. Mohamedali, and A.F. Hamlet. 2016. "Sensitivity of Circulation in the Skagit River Estuary to Sea Level Rise and Future Flows." Northwest Science 90, no. 1:94-118. PNNL-SA-112759. doi:10.3955/046.090.0108

2015

  • Xu W., and T. Khangaonkar. 2015. Temperature Model of the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project Reservoirs. . PNNL-25094. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

2014

  • Wang T., T. Khangaonkar, W. Long, and G.A. Gill. 2014. "Development of a Kelp-type Structure Module in a Coastal Ocean Model to Assess the Hydrodynamic Impact of Seawater Uranium Extraction Technology." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 2, no. 1:81-92. PNNL-SA-100036. doi:10.3390/jmse2010081

2013

  • Khangaonkar T., and T. Wang. 2013. "Potential alteration of fjordal circulation due to a large floating structure-Numerical investigation with application to Hood Canal basin in Puget Sound." Applied Ocean Research 39. PNNL-SA-71339. doi:10.1016/j.apor.2012.11.003

2012

  • Khangaonkar T., B.S. Sackmann, W. Long, T. Mohamedali, and M. Roberts. 2012. "Simulation of annual biogeochemical cycles of nutrient balance, phytoplankton bloom(s), and DO in Puget Sound using an unstructured grid model." Ocean Dynamics 62, no. 9:1353-1379. PNNL-SA-89087. doi:10.1007/s10236-012-0562-4
  • Kim T., and T. Khangaonkar. 2012. "An offline unstructured biogeochemical model (UBM) for complex estuarine and coastal environments." Environmental Modelling & Software 31, no. 1:47-63. PNNL-SA-85796. doi:10.1016/j.envsoft.2011.11.010
  • Yang Z., T. Wang, T. Khangaonkar, and S.A. Breithaupt. 2012. "Integrated Modeling of Flood Flows and Tidal Hydrodynamics over a Coastal Floodplain." Environmental Fluid Mechanics 12, no. 1:63-80. PNWD-SA-9428. doi:10.1007/s10652-011-9214-3

2011

  • Breithaupt S.A., and T. Khangaonkar. 2011. "Effects of Wetland Restoration on Floodplain Hydrodynamics under Extreme Flooding Conditions." Ecological Restoration 29, no. 1-2:161-172. PNWD-SA-9752. doi:10.3368/er.29.1-2.161
  • Khangaonkar T., and Z. Yang. 2011. "A High Resolution Hydrodynamic Model of Puget Sound to Support Nearshore Restoration Feasibility Analysis and Design." Ecological Restoration 29, no. 1-2:173-184. PNNL-SA-70081. doi:10.3368/er.29.1-2.173
  • Khangaonkar T., Z. Yang, T. Kim, and M. Roberts. 2011. "Tidally averaged circulation in Puget Sound sub-basins: Comparison of historical data, analytical model, and numerical model." Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 93, no. 4:305-319. PNNL-SA-80338. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2011.04.016
  • Yang Z., T. Khangaonkar, and T. Wang. 2011. "Use of Advanced Meteorological Model Output for Coastal Ocean Modeling in Puget Sound." International Journal of Ocean and Climate Systems 2, no. 2:101-117. PNNL-SA-80241.

2010

  • Khangaonkar T., Z. Yang, S.H. Geerlofs, and A. Copping. 2010. "Overland Tidal Power Generation Using Modular Tidal Prism." In Estuarine and Coastal Modeling: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference, November 4-6, 2009, Seattle, WA, edited by ML Spaulding, 466-477. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers. PNNL-SA-71118. doi:10.1061/41121(388)28
  • Kim T., R.G. Labiosa, T. Khangaonkar, Z. Yang, C. Chen, J. Qi, and C. Cerco. 2010. "Development and evaluation of a coupled hydrodynamic (FVCOM) and water quality model (CE-QUAL-ICM)." In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Estuarine and Coastal Modeling, November 4-6, 2009, Seattle, Washington, edited by ML Spaulding, 373-388. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers. PNNL-SA-69320. doi:10.1061/41121(388)23
  • Yang Z., and T. Khangaonkar. 2010. "Multi-scale modeling of Puget Sound using an unstructured-grid coastal ocean model: from tide flats to estuaries and coastal waters." Ocean Dynamics 60, no. 6:1621-1637. PNNL-SA-77035. doi:10.1007/s10236-010-0348-5
  • Yang Z., K.L. Sobocinski, D.W. Heatwole, T. Khangaonkar, R.M. Thom, and R. Fuller. 2010. "Hydrodynamic and Ecological Assessment of Nearshore Restoration: A Modeling Study." Ecological Modelling 221, no. 7:1043-1053. PNNL-SA-61739. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2009.07.011
  • Yang Z., T. Khangaonkar, M. Calvi, and K. Nelson. 2010. "Simulation of Cumulative Effects of Nearshore Restoration Projects on Estuarine Hydrodynamics." Ecological Modelling 221, no. 7:969-977. PNWD-SA-8277. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2008.12.006

2009

  • Yang Z., and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2009. "Modeling Tidal Circulation and Stratification in Skagit River Estuary Using an Unstructured Grid Ocean Model." Ocean Modelling 28, no. 1-3:34-49. (special issue). PNWD-SA-8278.
  • Yang Z., T. Khangaonkar, J.M. Chase, and T. Wang. 2009. "Puget Sound Operational Forecast System - A Real-time Predictive Tool for Marine Resource Management and Emergency Responses." In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Estuarine and Coastal Modeling, November 4-6, 2009, Seattle, WA, edited by ML Spaulding, 356-372. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). PNNL-SA-71183. doi:10.1061/41121(388)22

2008

  • Burkholder B.K., G.E. Grant, G.E. Grant, R. Haggerty, T.P. Khangaonkar, and P.J. Wampler. 2008. "Influence of hyporheic flow and geomorphology on temperature of a large, gravel-bed river, Clackamas River, Oregon, USA." Hydrological Processes 22, no. 7:941-953. PNNL-SA-59383.
  • Khangaonkar T.P., and Z. Yang. 2008. "DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF STREAM TEMPERATURES TO BOUNDARY AND INFLOW PERTURBATION DUE TO RESERVOIR OPERATIONS." River Research and Applications 24, no. 4:420-433. PNNL-SA-59954. doi:10.1002/rra.1088
  • Khangaonkar T.P., Z. Yang, J. Paik, and F. Sotiropoulos. 2008. "Simulation of Hydrodynamics at Stratified Reservoirs Using a Staged Modeling Approach." Journal of Coastal Research. JCR. PNNL-SA-57677.
  • Tang H., J. Paik, F. Sotiropoulos, and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2008. "Three-Dimensional Numerical Modeling of Initial Mixing of Thermal Discharges at Real-Life Configurations." Journal of Hydraulic Engineering 134, no. 9:1210-1224. PNNL-SA-59364. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2008)134:9(1210)
  • Yang Z., and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2008. "Modeling of Coastal Effluent Transport: an Approach to Linking of Far-field and Near-field Models." Acta Oceanologica Sinica 27. PNNL-SA-48553.
  • Yang Z., and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2008. "Modeling of Salt Intrusion, Intertidal Mixing, and Circulation in a Braided Estuary." In Surface Water Modeling, 52, 171-180. Boca Raton, Florida:Journal of Coastal Research. PNWD-SA-8011.

2007

  • Frick W.E., W.E. Frick, T.P. Khangaonkar, A.C. Sigleo, and Z. Yang. 2007. "Estuarine-ocean exchange in a North Pacific estuary: comparison of steady state and dynamic model." Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 74, no. 1-2:1-11. PNNL-SA-49044. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2007.02.019
  • Whelan G., W.D. Millard, G.M. Gelston, T.P. Khangaonkar, M.A. Pelton, D.L. Strenge, and Z. Yang, et al. 2007. "Using FRAMES to Manage Environmental and Water Resources." In Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2007: Restoring our Natural Habitat, May 15-19, 2007, Tampa, Florida, USA, edited by Karen C. Kabbes. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers. PNNL-SA-53354. doi:10.1061/40927(243)130

2006

  • Khangaonkar T.P., S.A. Breithaupt, and F.C. Kristanovich. 2006. "Restoration of Hydrodynamic and Hydrologic Processes in the Chinook River Estuary, Washington - Feasibility Assessment." In 9th International Conference on Estuarine Coastal Modeling Conference, edited by ML Spaulding. New York, New York:American Society of Civil Engineering. PNNL-SA-47566.
  • Khangaonkar T.P., S.A. Breithaupt, and F.C. Kristanovich. 2006. "Restoration of Hydrodynamic and Hydrologic Processes in the Chinook River Estuary, Washington - Feasibility Assessment." In Estaurine and Coastal Modeling Proceedings of the 9th International Conference held in Charleston, SC, Oct. 31-Nov.2, 2005, edited by M.L. Spaulding, 734-751. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers. PNNL-SA-48779.
  • Lee C., Z. Yang, T.P. Khangaonkar, and A. Divers. 2006. "Application of a Hydrodynamic Model for Assessing the Hydraulic Capacity and Flow Field at Willamette Falls Dam, Oregon." In Estuarine and Coastal Modeling. Proceedings of 9th International Conference held in Charleston, SC, Oct.31-Nov. 2, 2005, edited by M.L. Spaulding, 788-805. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers. PNWD-SA-7309.
  • Yang Z., H. Liu, and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2006. "Development of a Hydrodynamic Model for Skagit River Estuary for Estuarine Restoration Feasibility Assessment." In Estuarine and Coastal Modeling: Proceedings of the 9th International Conference held in Charleston, SC, Oct. 31-Nov.2, 2005, edited by M.L. Spaulding, 752-767. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers. PNWD-SA-7307.

2005

  • Khangaonkar T.P., Z. Yang, C. DeGasperi, and K. Marshall. 2005. "Modeling Hydrothermal Response of a Reservoir to Modifications at a High-Head Dam." Water International 30, no. 3:378-388. PNWD-SA-7113.
  • Yang Z., H. Liu, and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2005. "Development of a Hydrodynamic Model for Skagit River Estuary for Estuarine Restoration Feasibility Assessment." In The 9th International Conference on Estuarine and Coastal Modeling. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers. PNWD-SA-7228.

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