In this article, I present the MOSE project in Venice. It's a set of dykes designed to protect the city from the floods that threaten it.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the MOSE project in Venice
- The specific features of these artificial dikes
- What is its role
- Figures for the MOSE project
- The controversies surrounding the project
- What to expect from the future of Venice
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on Venice's MOSE project, you'll love this article.
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MOSE Venice project: article summary
Venice's MOSE project: artificial dykes against the Acqua Alta
Venice is world-famous for its monumentsits rich history, and its atypical geographical position. It is located on a lagoon of 550 km2, creating the Serenissima's famous canals.
This special position gives Venice a certain charmbut it also makes the city vulnerable to the phenomenon from Acqua Alta. This is reflected in the frequent flooding of its streets and squares, and the rising waters are becoming more and more frequent. The cause is ocean liners and global warming, with t the situation becoming alarming in the 21st century.
To protect Venice, a floating dike project was launched in 2003 and will be activated in 2020: this is the MOSE project, which I'd like to introduce to you.
Presentation of this MOSE project in Venice
The name of the project has two meanings: MOSE as a sign of MOdulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico (or Electromagnetic Experimental Module) and MOSE as Moses in Italian, a character from the Bible whose name means Saved from the water.
A beautiful image for a dam project which is nothing new. As early as the late 80s, experts were looking for a solution to the problem. protect Venice from erosion. The idea of reinforcing the coastline to avoid the damage caused by rising water levels was raised.
After many years of discussions, concerning the nature of the structures to be set up and the budgets to be allocated, the MOSE Project in Venice was approved in 2002. It will consist of a set of floating artificial dikes, which rise when the water rises above the critical 110 cm threshold.
It was built between 2003 and 2020, and proved its effectiveness during recent floods, preventing water from reaching the Piazza San Marcoas was the case in the past.
Facts and figures about MOSE
- It cost 5.5 billion euros
- It consists of 78 floating dikes spread over a length of 1.6 km, divided into 4 main sections
- The MOSE project is located on the lagoon, in the harbour mouths of the Lidoof Chioggia and Malamocco
- A project Named Baby Mosein Chioggia. It uses the same system to protect this neighbouring town.
- When the water rises, it takes about 30 minutes at the valves to lift (and 15 minutes to lower)
How do the MOSE dikes work?
The MOSE Project in Venice is one of the most impressive in the history of hydraulic engineering. And its operation is ingeniously simple.
35 housings in cement are installed at the bottom of the water. They are covered by articulated sluices, 20 m wide and between 20 and 30 m long, and 5 m thick. When an Acqua Alta phenomenon is forecast (in the event of a tide over 110 cm high), these gates are emptied of the water they contain and filled with - lighter - air, enabling them to rise.
They rise up and emerge of water (in about 30 minutes) to prevent water from flooding the city. Navigation basins have been provided to allow boats to pass through, even if the mobile dikes are raised.
During the last high tides, the MOSE Project was able to demonstrate its effectiveness. The squares and alleyways usually flooded remained (partially) dry, despite the rising water.
Project Mose Venice: recognized efficiency, but at what price?
In order to preserve Venice and ensure that residents and visitors alike do not have their feet in the water, the colossal MOSE project was born... Much to the chagrin of its opponents, most of whom were environmentalists.
Indeed, one of the major problems with this artificial dike system is that it endangers the local ecosystem. The latter can only be viable and healthy if there is interaction between the sea currents and the marshes, something the dam could prevent.
As a result, the ecosystem would be turned upside down, with a lack of sediment which could be fatal to the lagoon's flora and fauna.
For environmental experts, who recognize the need for such protection for the city and its inhabitants, it could be a good idea to raise the barriers at a slightly higher water level. There would be a little more water in the city, but the ecosystem would be less endangered.
No decision has yet been taken, but the stakes are high if Venice is not to be surrounded by a lifeless lagoon.
Why has the MOSE project been criticized in Italy?
In addition to the environmental issues mentioned above, there are other factors that have slowed down the Venice MOSE Project, or that have tarnished its lustre.
Embezzlement
In 2014, the mayor of Venice Giorgio Orsoni is arrested as part of an investigation into embezzlement and misappropriation of funds relating to the MOSE project. The charges relate to a total amount of... 1 billion euros, i.e. 1/5 of the total cost of the project.
Personally, he would have received between €450,000 and €550,000 from the Consorzio Venezia Nuova to favor certain construction companies.
Monumental running costs
For MOSE to be effective, it must be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In this way, the system can be triggered in good time in the event of a high tide.
This constant surveillance, coupled with maintenance and activation costs, makes the operation of this protection system very expensive. And Venetians are seeing their taxes rise. Only convincing, long-term results will calm the nerves of the most disgruntled citizens.
Concerns about the lifespan of structures
During the last observations, it was noted that the caissons at the bottom of the water had already begun to rust. This has obviously led to concerns about the lifespan of the structures and equipment quality used during construction.
Will the Mose project save Venice from extinction?
The MOSE Project is a great step forward in the protection of Venice. This goes hand in hand with bans on cruise ships and the payment of a tourist tax, designed to limit the massive influx of tourists.
But that won't solve everything. If short-termWhile Venice should avoid severe flooding (like that of November 4, 1966, which traumatized an entire generation of Venetians, many of whom left the city as a result), the Serenissima is doomed to be buried.
According to climate specialists, in 2100This would be a major loss for humanity. In the coming months, Venice could be classified by Unesco as a World Heritage site. World heritage in danger. A drastic decision, taken if no lasting solution is found to protect the Serenissima.
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