Hydrodynamics and morphodynamics at a protected beach: the study site of Pellestrina, Italy

This contribution is aimed at presenting the performance of the composite intervention done in Pellestrina, Italy, in 1996, focusing in particular on hydrodynamics and morphodynamics induced by the defence system. The contribution contains a brief description of the site environmental conditions, including climatic conditions and historical evolution of the site that motives the successive interventions during the centuries. The 1996 intervention by Consorzio Venezia Nuova (CVN) is described and hydro-morpho-dynamics induced is examined through available data and data collected during a field campaign. Typical waves and current systems are shown with the support of numerical simulations carried out with MIKE21. Bathymetry and shoreline evolution are discussed by means of periodic and detailed surveys in the area. A cost-benefit analysis of the intervention is performed and conclusions are finally drawn.