Land Subsidence and Sea-Level Rise: The Case of the Po Delta Region, Italy

The Italian lowland in the NW Adriatic Sea includes the Po River Delta and the Lagoon of Venice, both of which experienced rapid subsidence in the 1950’s and 60’ in response to the excessive withdrawal of groundwater. Even though overpumping has mostly ceased, the large area of coastal lowland lying below sea level suggests that any rise in local sea level could have severe environmental and economic consequences. Exacerbating the problem is the erosion of local beaches, largely the result of decreased fluvial sediment input. Unless defense structures are built or “accommodation” is practiced, one can expect considerable loss of coastal land and the corresponding impact on local and regional socio-economic well being.