Effect of Partial Use of Venice Flood Barriers

A numerical analysis demonstrates that closing only two of the three Venice lagoon inlets during severe storm surges can effectively safeguard water levels without exceeding critical thresholds, while allowing uninterrupted vessel transit through the open inlet. This approach mitigates the slowdown in maritime traffic caused by full barrier activation, offering a balanced solution for flood defense and port operations. The study identifies specific meteorological conditions under which partial closure of barriers maintains acceptable water levels, providing actionable insights for the MoSE system's operational strategy.

Cavallaro, L., Iuppa, C., & Foti, E. (2017). Effect of Partial Use of Venice Flood Barriers. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 5(4), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse5040058