Role of Ambiguity and the MOSE system in the Venice Lagoon

Venice has always been known for the amazing channels that fill the entire city. These channels can be used for just about everything, ranging from personal to industrial usage. When walking around Venice, it is clear to see that the water levels in the canals can be drastically different. The water levels are significantly different depending on which part of the city that you are in, some are extremely deep, and others are shallow enough to see the bottom of the canal. 

The MOSE system would help to try and decrease the number of drastic floods that occur within the city. The system would separate the Venice lagoon from the Adriatic Sea by using mobile barriers that will fill with air to block the flow of water between the two. In order for MOSE to be closed, an authority figure would need to claim that the water levels are higher than the indicated safeguarding level. The safeguarding level falls between the water depths of 100-110cm; this leaves very little room for error or a long thought process. Even though the MOSE system would help relieve the number of floods, many other problems occur with the closure of the lagoon. Like I said before, the canals and the lagoon are used for almost everything within the city. If the lagoon was to close, everyday life would be drastically affected and the city would be stuck until it was reopened. 

With that being said, leaving the decision up to a single person can lead to some problems. The idea of ambiguity comes in to play because the mindset of the authority figure has to be in the right place. If they either have a too pessimist or optimistic look on the issue, then things might begin to get complicated. With only allowing for a 10 cm difference between the opening and closure of the mobile barriers, things need to be decided on quickly and not be debated for extensive periods of time. The one making the call has to be in the right head space and have all of the information that they can acquire before making the decision. Due to the fact that the MOSE system will not be fully functioning for roughly two years, that gives people time to figure out the most efficient way in setting procedures on how or when to close the barriers.