Schutz vor Überflutungen
Hintergrund
Venice, the famous „Floating City“ of Italy, has been built on hundreds of islands in a lagoon near the Adriatic Sea. Due to this exposed situation the town has long struggled with flooding both from the sea and from the mainland.
To reduce the risk of flooding from the sea, the Italian government decided to install MOSE (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico, Experimental Electromechanical Module), an innovative flood protection system. MOSE consists of hydraulically operated barriers installed at the entrances to the Venetian Lagoon. When water levels rise, sensors activate the system, filling the barriers with compressed air and forming a solid barrier against high tides and storm surges. MOSE integrates advanced technology for monitoring and control while considering the ecological balance of the lagoon. As a pioneering example of adapting to climate change, MOSE demonstrates how cities can thrive in the face of rising sea levels, and, as well, how big the effort of adapting is.
So far, MOSE has been successfully activated several times. One example of the system in its activated state is shown in the satellite maps.
Übungen
- Explain the purpose of the MOSE project and how it addresses the city’s vulnerability to flooding.
- Using the satellite maps, compare the state of Venice during high tide before the implementation of the MOSE system with its condition after its installation. What visible changes can be observed, and how do these images highlight the project’s impact on flood control?
- Analyze the role of satellite technology in assessing the environmental impact of the MOSE project. How can these images help evaluate the effects on the lagoon ecosystem and surrounding habitats?
- Discuss how satellite-based remote sensing can aid in long-term monitoring and maintenance of the MOSE barriers. What benefits does this technology offer in identifying potential issues and ensuring the system’s reliability in the face of changing environmental conditions?
- What does MOSE symbolize in terms of adapting to climate change?
