MOSE flood barrier model,Venice. The MOSE project is intended to protect the city of Venice,Italy,from extreme floods. Scaled-up versions of these barriers will be built at the three inlets to the lagoon surrounding the island of Venice. The barriers are flaps that are hinged at one end to the sea floor. When not needed,the barriers are full of water and lie flat on the sea floor. When the water level rises,compressed air is pumped into the barriers,and they rise on hinges to form a row. Though they block most of the water,they can also move,as seen,to transmit waves. A total of 79 barriers (each 5x20x30 metres) will be built from 2006-2011. Photographed in 2003 |