Abstract
Tidal channels are crucial for the functioning of wetlands, though their morphological properties, which are relevant for seafloor habitats and flow, have been understudied so far. Here, we release a dataset composed of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) extracted from a total of 2,500 linear kilometres of high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) data collected in 2013 covering the entire network of tidal channels and inlets of the Venice Lagoon, Italy. The dataset comprises also the backscatter (BS) data, which reflect the acoustic properties of the seafloor, and the tidal current fields simulated by means of a high-resolution three-dimensional unstructured hydrodynamic model. The DTMs and the current fields help define how morphological and benthic properties of tidal channels are affected by the action of currents. These data are of potential broad interest not only to geomorphologists, oceanographers and ecologists studying the morphology, hydrodynamics, sediment transport and benthic habitats of tidal environments, but also to coastal engineers and stakeholders for cost-effective monitoring and sustainable management of this peculiar shallow coastal system.
Highlights
Background & SummaryCoastal transitional systems are amongst the most productive and valuable environments on Earth[1,2,3,4]
The hydrodynamics and related sediment, nutrient and biota exchange of these systems with the open sea is governed by their tidal networks, intricate patterns of bifurcating tidal channels dissecting tidal flats and salt marshes
Tidal networks and coastal transitional environments undergo fast morphological changes under natural and anthropogenic pressures, which have lead to increased flooding and habitat losses that are likely to further increase due to climate change[5,6,7,8]
Summary
Coastal transitional systems are amongst the most productive and valuable environments on Earth[1,2,3,4]. A team of more than 25 scientists was involved to collect high-resolution bathymetry of the tidal channel network and the inlets (Figs 1 and 2) This survey merges with the complementary mapping of the lagoon inlets conducted by the Italian Hydrographic Institute in the offshore areas at the same time frame and using similar equipment. Bathymetric and seafloor BS-data can be employed for a variety of studies defining aspects of the evolution of the lagoon including: hydrodynamic modelling, sediment dynamics and geomorphology, geo-archaeology or habitat mapping This dataset is unique because it depicts the seafloor morphologies with unprecedented detail and, because it was acquired just before the MOSE barrier system starts to operate. The relative rapid erosive process could threaten the stability of the hard structures in the near future and should certainly be periodically monitored
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