Final answer:
Venice is the major city on the Adriatic Sea that is vulnerable to floods, which occurs due to high water events known as 'acqua alta'. The city faced significant flooding in 2008 and has since been working on the MOSE project to combat future floods. Venice's unique circumstances make it especially susceptible among other Adriatic cities. The correct answer is option a) Venice
Step-by-step explanation:
The city that is vulnerable to floods and experienced significant flooding in 2008 is Venice. Venice is renowned for its beautiful canals and historic architecture, but it is also known for the challenge it faces with acqua alta, or high water, which leads to flooding. This primarily occurs during the autumn and spring months due to a combination of factors such as astronomical tide, wind (which can push the sea water into the lagoon), and sea level rise.
The MOSE project (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico), which stands for Experimental Electromechanical Module, has been initiated in an attempt to prevent flooding in Venice. This involves a series of mobile gates capable of isolating the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea during high tides.
Other cities located on the Adriatic Sea, such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Bari, also face their own geographical and environmental challenges, but Venice is most famously affected by flooding, exacerbated by both natural and human-induced factors. The phenomenon of acqua alta is known to submerge the city's sidewalks and squares, including the iconic Piazza San Marco, posing risks to its residents and the preservation of its historic sites.