VERBI VEnice Research BIbliography

Currents and sea surface levels inside the lagoon are driven by astronomical (tidal) and meteorological forcing. Current data are obtained by three bottom–mounted ADCP, one for each inlet, for the period February 2002 – December 2002. Sea level data 2002 from several tide gauge stations inside and outside the lagoon are analysed.

Spectral analysis of non tidal currents and levels reveals the role played by Adriatic seiches, which are triggered on Adriatic basin scale by atmospheric disturbances. Seiche motions force the currents at the same time, and represent the longest period of non tidal forcing at the Malamocco inlet. On the contrary, long period variability appears very important in the Lido and Chioggia non-tidal currents. The phases of long-period currents are almost in opposition that’s to say, an inflow at Lido (or Chioggia) is balanced by an outflow at Chioggia (or Lido). The analysis of events helps in studying the response to transient events. Two typical scenarios of sirocco (on November 2002) and bora (on December 2002) wind are considered, revealing the complex dynamics both in the residual currents and levels, and the different role played by the three inlets under meteorological forcing.