Aim
The aim of the MOSE project is to solve the problem of high waters which has afflicted Venice and other towns and villages in the lagoon since ancient times in autumn, winter and spring. Although the tide in the lagoon basin is lower than in other areas of the world where it may reach as high as 20 m, the phenomenon may become significant if associated with atmospheric and meteorological factors such as pressure and the action of the bora (a north-easterly wind coming from Trieste) or Sirocco (a hot south-easterly wind) which push the waves into the gulf of Venice. The phenomenon is also worsened by rain and freshwater flowing into the lagoon from the drainage basin at 36 inflow points represented by small rivers and canals.
The increase in the frequency and intensity of high waters is also associated with other natural and artificial causes which have altered the hydraulic and morphological structure of the lagoon, such as subsidence and eustatism (during the 20th century land in the lagoon dropped by 23 cm with respect to mean sea level); the greater erosive action of the sea as a result of some of the measures taken by man to facilitate port activities (jetties, artificial canals) and establishment of the industrial area of Porto Marghera and the increase in wash caused by motor vessels which helps erode morphological structures and the foundations of quaysides and buildings.
As well as tackling these contingent problems, the MOSE Project (and the other defence measures) has also been designed to take into account the expected rise in sea level as a result of global warming. The mobile barriers can protect the lagoon effectively for sea level rise up to 60 cm.
Exceptional high waters have struck the city during the 20th century: the flood of November 1966 (194 cm), 1979 (166 cm), 2007 (160 cm), 1986 (158 cm), 1951 and 2012 (151 cm), 1936 and 2002 (147 cm), 1960 (145 cm), 1968 and 2000 (144 cm), 1992 (142 cm), 1979 (140 cm). All values were recorded at the Punta della Salute (Venice) station and refer to the 1897 tidal datum point.
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