Insights on the Extreme Storm Surge Event of the 22 November 2022 in the Venice Lagoon

An extreme storm surge event on November 22, 2022, in the Venice Lagoon would have resulted in unprecedented flooding, with sea levels exceeding 200 cm above the reference datum at Chioggia if not for the intervention of the Mo.S.E. system—a set of artificial barriers designed to protect the lagoon from extreme high tides. This study highlights the critical role of advanced monitoring systems, such as those managed by ISPRA, in predicting and mitigating storm surges. Using hydrodynamic models forced with extensive observed data, researchers analyzed a hypothetical scenario where the Mo.S.E. system was not operational, demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing catastrophic flooding. The findings underscore the importance of coastal flood prevention measures, particularly in the context of rising sea levels, and emphasize the functionality and utility of real-time monitoring systems for managing such risks.

Mel, R. A., Coraci, E., Morucci, S., Crosato, F., Cornello, M., Casaioli, M., Mariani, S., Carniello, L., Papa, A., Bonometto, A., & Ferla, M. (2023). Insights on the Extreme Storm Surge Event of the 22 November 2022 in the Venice Lagoon. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 11(9), 1750. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11091750