Groundwater in the Venetian Area

Venice from the perspective of water resources and hydro-geomorphological dynamics, is emblematic of the complex geosphere-anthroposphere interactions that could characterize a coastal urban area. On the one hand, the hydrogeological setting is extremely heterogenous and complex, with interconnected processes acting at multiple spatiotemporal scales, as often happen in areas with interactions between land and marine processes. On the other hand, anthropic pressures and disturbances on the geosphere are extremely complex, heterogeneous and, again, acting at multiple spatiotemporal scales. This chapter focuses mainly on groundwater related issues on the urban area of Venice municipality, comprising the historical island and the hinterland, with some reference to the interactions with surface waters. In Section 2 of the chapter, the hydrogeological setting of the area under scrutiny is introduced, highlighting the necessity to take into account a multiscale perspective for the understanding of the hydrogeological framework. In Section 3, some historical aspects related to the hydrogeological modifications and water management are introduced, pointing out as since the Serenissima Republic, centuries ago, “landscape managers” were aware of the complexity of the geohydrological system and of the necessity to adopt an holistic approach. Finally, in Section 4, the main current issues related to groundwater in the area, including the connections with surface waters, are introduced.