An Update on the Hydrodynamics of the Venice Canals
This project provides an update on the hydrodynamics of 93 canals segments in Venice. During the 1990's, students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) measured the currents in the entire canal system. Our team set out to verify whether the rumors that velocities are changing were founded. Our research has confirmed that indeed there have been changes in the patterns of movement of the waters of the inner canals. In particular, the western end of the Grand Canal is displaying a pattern of flow that is the opposite to the direction measured in 1966. The results of our project indicate that more research is needed to fully understand the behavior of tidal flows, especially the major lagoon channels.