Rapid response of tidal channel networks to sea-level variations (Venice Lagoon, Italy)

The aim of the present paper is to examine the effects of long- and short-term sea-level fluctuations (i.e. relative sea-level rise and tides) on the geomorphologic evolution of modern tidal channels through the joint interpretation of channel modifications, the 1938–2010 yearly time series of relative sea-level rise, and the variations of strength and frequency of high tides which occurred in the same period.We analyzed a salt marsh area not particularly modified by human interventions, located in the northern Venice Lagoon, Italy.The availability of a long historical record of high-resolution aerial photographs provided us the opportunity to reconstruct in detail the evolution of the drainage patterns from 1938 to the present.Results from our analyses gave us information about the degree of control of long- and short-term sea-level fluctuations on planimetric development of tidal channels and provided demonstration of the rapid response of the drainage network to these oscillations.We found that both relative sea-level rise and high tide frequency greatly influenced salt marsh margin shift and meander evolution of tidal channels in the long term, but short-term sinuosity changes of creeks were often also closely related to tide variations. Channels nearer the marsh margin were more exposed to the action of the increasing tides.

► We examined the effects of sea-level fluctuations on evolution of tidal channels.
► The impact of sea-level changes on tidal creeks was higher near the marsh margin.
► Both sea-level rise and tides influenced channel evolution in the long term.
► Short-term sinuosity changes of creeks were closely related to tide variations.