Why Venice’s famous canals are now drying

Source: The post is based on the article “Why Venice’s famous canals are now drying” published in Indian Express on 25th February 2023

What is the News?

A high-pressure system is stuck over Venice, creating low tides.This has led to low water levels and dry canals.However, experts suggest the root cause behind the issue is the drought-like situation across Italy.

About City of Venice:

Venice is located in northern Italy.

The city has a unique geography.It is a collection of over 118 small islands spread over a lagoon, which is a kind of water body that is separated from a larger water body through some kind of land formation.

The islands are located in the shallow Venetian Lagoon, an enclosed bay that lies between the mouths of the Po and the Piave rivers.The Venetian lagoon is separated from the Adriatic Sea.

The lagoon and a part of the city are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why have some Venetian canals gone dry?

Since last summer, the City of Venice has been seeing a severe shortage of water in its rivers and lakes.

The Italian Alps have received nearly half of the normal snowfall during this winter. This is worrying as snow is an important source of water in spring and summer when, by melting, it ensures water supplies in the months it is most needed.

Meanwhile, Italy’s longest river, the Po, which travels from the Alps to the Adriatic, has 61% less water than normal at this time of year.

To make matters worse, Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, is also suffering from low water levels.