Posted by Brenda on 3/21/2012 to
Venice
It was reported today in the Venice news that not only is Venice sinking, it is also tilting.
How could this happen?
Scripps Institution of Oceanography (San Diego, CA), working with the University of Miami & Italy's Tele-Rilevamento Europa, has been studying GPS data from Satellites taken over a decade. With this technology, they are able to accurately measure and track the absolute elevations of the city over this decade (2000 to 2010).
As was reported earlier, the sinking was attributed to the depletion of the underground water tables. Pumping was stopped and other projects of pumping the water back under the city were considered.
Additionally the MOSE project is nearing completion. (See Blog Dec 2011)
It appears that there are more factors to be considered, namely the earth's plate tectonics. Venice is tilting slightly to the east about 1 to 2mm each year. The Adriatic plate, where Venice sits, is sliding beneath the Alps.
It seems terribly unfair that this beautiful city has such insurmountable problems!
For the full story you can visit the Scripps Website
