Venice, despite being the picturesque lagoon city famous for its canals, bridges and thousand-year history, is also known to be vulnerable to high water.
But an ambitious project known as MOSE Venice (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico) is designed to protect the city from this natural phenomenon.
In this article, we will explore what MOSE is, how it works, and when it will be fully operational.
What is MOSE Venice?
MOSE is a complex system of mobile barriers designed to protect the city of Venice from high water during exceptionally high tides, known locally as "acqua alta."
This innovative project was initiated in response to the growing threats of flooding that endanger the cultural heritage and daily lives of Venetian residents.
How does MOSE work?
MOSE barriers consist of arrays of sluice gates that are raised from the seabed to temporarily separate the Venice lagoon from the Adriatic Sea when exceptionally high tides are expected.
These sluice gates, which are installed in the lagoon inlets, are controlled by a sophisticated electromechanical system that allows them to be raised or lowered according to the tidal forecast.
MOSE is designed to be activated when the water level exceeds a certain critical threshold, providing a reliable defense against high water and protecting the city's valuable architectural and cultural structures.
When does MOSE go into operation in Venice?
MOSE has undergone lengthy design, construction and testing phases. However, despite the completion of the physical structures, the system is not yet fully operational.
The commissioning of MOSE has been delayed by legal disputes, technical and financial problems. At present, there is no firm date for full operation of the system.
However, the project continues to progress, and it is expected to become fully functional as soon as all pending issues are resolved.
Mose Venice: the need to activate it. In These days
Despite progress on the MOSE project, Venice continues to be threatened by high water, as evidenced by recent episodes of flooding, such as the one that affected St. Mark's Square.
Although the peak of 95 centimeters of water did not require the activation of MOSE, such events underscore the urgency of completing and commissioning the high water defense system.
MOSE Venice: conclusions
The MOSE in Venice represents a milestone in hydraulic engineering and the protection of coastal cities threatened by tides. However, challenges remain before the system becomes fully operational and Venice can rely on it as a reliable defense against flooding.
The hope is that as the project is completed and MOSE becomes operational, La Serenissima will continue to thrive and captivate visitors from around the world with its beauty and uniqueness
So, MOSE in Venice is one of the greatest engineering and environmental challenges of our time
So, MOSE in Venice is one of the greatest engineering and environmental challenges of our time. Its realization has required years of planning, hard work and considerable financial resources. But MOSE remains a hope for Venice and all coastal communities struggling with flooding.