The Holocene influence on the future evolution of the Venice Lagoon tidal marshes

To sustain Venice Lagoon's tidal marshes amid accelerating sea-level rise, sedimentation rates must double current levels. This critical finding stems from a study that quantified how past sediment dynamics influence future marsh resilience. Researchers analyzed elevation data and applied physics-based models to assess deposition and soil compaction in the lagoon. The results reveal that soft, recently deposited soils play a pivotal role in determining the fate of low-lying tidal landscapes over the next century. Without sufficient sedimentation, marshes risk submergence due to both sea-level rise and soil compaction.

Zoccarato, C., & Da Lio, C. (2021). The Holocene influence on the future evolution of the Venice Lagoon tidal marshes. Communications Earth & Environment, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-021-00144-4