Geomorphological setting and related hydrogeological implications
of the coastal plain south of the Venice Lagoon (Italy)
F. Rizzetto, L. Tosi, L. Carbognin, M. Bonardi
Istituto per lo Studio della Dinamica delle Grandi Masse, CNR, Venezia,
Italy
P. Teatini
Dept. Mathematical Methods and Models for Scientific
Applications, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
The contribution of the geological and morphological setting to the worsening
or contrast of land subsidence and saltwater intrusion was pointed out in
three areas located south of the Venice Lagoon (Italy): the littoral stretch
of Chioggia, the southern lagoon margin (Punta Gorzone) and an inland sector
of the drainage basin (the Zennare Basin). The main geological and
morphological features were identified by sedimentological and geomorphological
investigations. Saltwater intrusion, whose extent was indicated from
geophysical investigations and analyses of water samples from wells, rivers,
and channels, is related to the presence of sandy paleo-channels and a land
elevation significantly below the mean sea level. At present, land subsidence,
assessed by geodetic surveys, in situ evidence and topographical maps
comparison, is mainly caused by the drainage of cultivated peaty areas.
