Field Trip Leaders: Massimiliano Ghinassi1, Andrea D'Alpaos1, Alvise Finotello1
1Università di Padova.
Date: 19 September 2025
Cost: € 320 (FULL); € 170 (REDUCED SIMP/SGI/EAG members); € 290 (REDUCED Societies affiliated to SGI)
Minimum number of participants: 13
Maximum number of participants: 25
Description
This full-day boat excursion offers a direct observation of the morphosedimentary evolution of meandering tidal channels in a natural setting. The first stop focuses on the dynamics of a large, 100-meter-wide microtidal meandering channel, highlighting the interaction between lateral tributaries and the main channel, the development of depositional patterns in response to bend morphology and tidal flow asymmetries, and the vertical grain size trends in bar deposits. These processes are strongly influenced by environmental changes, particularly rising relative sea levels and human interventions. Over the past 120 years, modifications such as the construction of jetties at the lagoon inlets and the installation of mobile gates under the Mo.S.E. Project have significantly altered hydrodynamics and sediment transport dynamics within the Venice Lagoon, affecting the study channels in particular.
The second stop explores a network of smaller, approximately 10-meter-wide meandering tidal creeks winding through vegetated salt marshes. This site provides an opportunity to examine tidal meander dynamics, cutoff formations, and channel captures, while also analyzing the sedimentological characteristics of tidal point-bar deposits and their response to both vertical aggradation and lateral channel shifts. Additionally, the interaction between mutually evasive ebb and flood currents within these meanders will be considered, emphasizing its sedimentological implications and its role in shaping the evolving landscape.
Programme
8:00 am - A bus will take us from the Department of Geosciences (Via G. Gradenigo, 6 Padova) to the municipality of Cavallino-Treporti in the northern Venice Lagoon, where we will embark on a boat trip to visit tidal wetlands near the colorful island of Burano.
6:00 pm - Return to Padova.
Further information
Layered clothing is recommended to accommodate potentially rapid weather changes, along with a windproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, and sun protection. Rubber boots are mandatory, as some areas may remain submerged by several centimeters of water throughout the day. Bringing personal boots is advised when possible, though a limited number of spare pairs will be available on-site.
Cost is all-inclusive.
Field trip contact: massimiliano.ghinassi@unipd.it