VERBI VEnice Research BIbliography

In this paper we present an assessment of present state and scales of variability of biogeochemical properties along coastal zone of the North Western Adriatic Sea, and discuss emerging properties in view of the influence of water runoff from many rivers, interaction with the lagoons (Venice and Caorle) and influence of the open sea.
The analysis relies on a data set obtained by integrating experimental observations collected in the frame of monitoring programs enforced by Regional Water Authority and of oceanographic research projects on the Northern Adriatic Sea. Observations cover last 20 years, and provide a robust base for assessment of present state and scales of variability for temperature, salinity, nutrients, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a.
Results emphasize the existence of high spatial variability along the coastal area, depending on the influence of exchanges with the coastal lagoon and inputs from rivers. A set of multivariate analysis (PCA, EOF, RDA) indicates that several subarea can be identified, basing on trophic conditions, and that these groups reflect the presence of different sources potentially impacting the water quality status, such as the large rivers in the southern part, the minor rivers in the northern one and the presence of the lagoon of Venice. A comparison of values assumed by the trophic index TRIX indicates that the latter is the most oligotrophic subarea, a fact that underline the role of the lagoon in reducing nutrient loads in this zone.
Results represent a contribution to the characterization of the waters of Northern Adriatic Sea, to the comprehension of interactions of these waters with coastal waters, including the Lagoon of Venice, and an updated climatology of the basin, which can be used as an important reference term form assessment of anomalous behavior and future changes