Winter actually is the best season to visit Venice: although daylight is shorter, a bit chilly sometimes; but no crowd, no queue for water bus or any monument, no need to make reservation for any restaurant. Silently, one could walk along the thousand years old water wonderland, truly appreciating its incredible beauty. And if it happens to be a sunny windy day, the views of brilliant azure sky and sea are almost magical.
The only drawback is the possibility of Acqua Alta. Once, upon getting off the water bus at the stop of S.Marco Vallaresso , I stared astonishingly at the half knee- high water everywhere. Fortunately, there was a vendor selling plastic boots. Carrying my luggage waist- high, I was able to wade through the water to my hotel.
Next morning, from the entrance of hotel:
Question: Describe “Acqua Alta” in Venice.
ChatGPT:
“Acqua Alta,” which translates to “High Water” in Italian, refers to the exceptional tide peaks that occur periodically in the Adriatic Sea, causing flooding in Venice, Italy. This phenomenon typically happens between autumn and spring when the tides are reinforced by seasonal winds. During Aqua Alta, parts of Venice, including its iconic St. Mark’s Square, become submerged under water.
This flooding can vary in severity, sometimes just wetting the pavements, while in other instances it can inundate shops and homes. Venetians have adapted to these conditions with raised walkways and flood-proof barriers, but the phenomenon remains a challenge for the city, exacerbated by factors like climate change and sinking foundations. Aqua Alta is a striking example of Venice’s unique interaction with its aquatic environment.
Question: List some events of the highest tides ever happened.
ChatGPT:
Some of the highest recorded Aqua Alta events in Venice have been particularly notable due to their severity and impact. Here are a few of these significant events:
- November 4, 1966: This is the most severe Aqua Alta recorded in modern history, with the tide reaching a peak of 194 cm above sea level. It caused extensive damage to the city, including historic buildings and artworks.
- December 22, 1979: Venice experienced another major flood, with water levels reaching 166 cm above sea level.
- October 29, 2018: A high tide of 156 cm was recorded, causing significant flooding in various parts of the city.
- November 12, 2019: Venice faced one of its worst floods in recent history, with the water level peaking at 187 cm. This event caused widespread damage, including to St. Mark’s Basilica and other historic sites.
- December 8, 2020: The city recorded a high tide of 144 cm, leading to considerable flooding in various areas.
These events highlight the ongoing challenges Venice faces due to Aqua Alta, exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels.
Question: Describe the project of “ floor- proof barriers” called MOSE, how it works.
ChatGPT:
The MOSE project (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico) is an ambitious engineering initiative designed to protect Venice, Italy, from flooding due to high tides and Aqua Alta events. The name is a play on the Italian word for “Moses,” reflecting the project’s aim to part the waters and protect the city. MOSE consists of a series of retractable barriers located at the three inlets (Lido, Malamocco, and Chioggia) that connect the Venetian Lagoon to the Adriatic Sea.
Here’s how it works:
- Retractable Gates: The system comprises 78 large floating gates. These gates are usually filled with water and rest in caissons on the seafloor. When a high tide is predicted, air is pumped into the gates, causing them to rise and block the incoming water.
- Control of Water Levels: By blocking the inlets, the gates prevent high tides from the Adriatic Sea from entering the lagoon, thereby reducing the risk of flooding in Venice.
- Operational Flexibility: The gates can be operated individually or in groups, depending on the size and direction of the tide, providing flexibility in response to varying tidal conditions.
- Environmental Considerations: The system is designed to minimize environmental impact on the lagoon’s ecosystem. When not in use, the gates are hidden underwater, allowing the normal flow of tides and marine life.
The MOSE project, after years of construction and testing, began to be intermittently operational in recent years. It represents a significant engineering effort to preserve Venice’s unique cultural and historical heritage against the challenges posed by climate change and rising sea levels. However, the project has faced criticism and controversy over its cost, delays, and potential environmental impact.
