A review of the flow regulation systems on the Secchia and Panaro rivers (Modena area, Italy)

Abstract

The Secchia and Panaro rivers form a scissors-like course around Modena. These two rivers have periodically caused flooding in the area of Modena. The more recent floods took place mainly between 1960 and 1973 and were largely determined by changes in the flow and transfer velocity of the volume of water in the beds. Flow regulation devices were planned and constructed in areas adjacent to the courses of the two rivers in order to control these hydrological hazards in the area of Modena. The flow regulation systems have been in operation since 1979 (for the Secchia R.) and 1985 (for the Panaro R.). They have constructed in the toe areas of the Secchia and Panaro rivers fans within channels that are approximately 2 km wide and that are bordered by banks several meters high. The flow regulation systems are located in a geomorphological situation that is optimal for storing large volumes of water without necessitating major works for such purposes. The two structures consist principally of a regulating dam built across the bed and a storage basin bordered by embankments. Their most important function is to reduce the flood peak, that is, they intervene on only a limited scale. The flow regulation systems for the Secchia and Panaro rivers have not yet been tested as to their efficiency under flood conditions for which they were built. The systems were planned for major flood events, however, none have occurred since their completion.