A coupled model of anthropogenic Venice uplift
A. Comerlati, M. Ferronato, G. Gambolati, M. Putti, P. Teatini
Dept. Mathematical Methods and Models for Scientific
Applications, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
A coupled (Biot) three-dimensional finite element model is developed to predict the
anthropogenic Venice uplift induced by seawater injection into a 600-800 m deep brackish
aquifer underlying the Venice Lagoon. After 10 years of water pumping an uplift of about
30 cm is predicted with an injection rate of about 17 Mm3/year and a maximum
overpressure of 18 bars. The results turn out to be very similar to those obtained with an
uncoupled formulation after a few years from the beginning of the injection. At the end of
the simulation the uncoupled approach estimates the uplift 2% and 3% in excess relative to
the coupled one at Venice and over the injection wells, respectively, i.e. a small amount
on consideration of the influence exerted by the typical uncertainties that characterize the
geological reconstruction and the parameter values of any real subsurface basin.
