Student project opportunity
Fact-finding study for flooding of Venice (Nov 2019) and performance of the MOSE barrier.
Venice experienced record flooding in November 2019. In this study we propose a fact-finding by TU Delft focussing on the floods and the state and performance of the MOSE barrier. A short report will be written based on public documents and internet sources. The following questions and topics will be addressed:
- Information on the floods:
- Meteorological background, observed storm surge, water levels rainfall and river discharge
- Preliminary analysis of the return period of observed water levels
- If available: general information on sea level rise scenarios for Venice
- Indication / description of flooded areas in Venice and surrounding areas
- Characterization (mainly qualitative) of damages reported
- Performance of the MOSE barrier system:
- Description of the MOSE system and its state just before the flood, also operational criteria
- Operation (if any) of the MOSE barrier during the Nov 2019 floods
- Maintenance, operation and management issues (e.g. check on reports on corrosion etc.)
- Brief summary of follow-up actions and investigation after the floods
- Evaluation
- Findings, lessons learned, for flood management and storm surge barrier planning and operation.
Result: brief report 15 – 30 pages. written in English.
Work can be carried out as a student project (additional thesis, 10 ECTS) or internship. It is preferable that the student / researcher speaks Italian. A trip to Venice may be included.
Contacts: Andres Diaz Loaiza (M.A.DiazLoaiza@tudelft.nl) or Bas Jonkman (s.n.jonkman@tudelft.nl)
Useful links: BBC News and Reuters