2B.10B Flashcards
Why are we studying netherlands
Coastal flooding
and storm surge events
can have serious economic
and social consequences
for coastal communities in both developing (Bangladesh)
and developed countries (Netherlands)!!!!
compare to bangladesh
How low lying is netherlands
Very low lying (26% below SL/about a third udnerwater)
- lowest point is 6.7m below
What is causing marine transgression?
Rhine Delta sediment
Describe SLR and subsidence in netherlands
SLR of 19cm since 1900
Subsidence of ~8mm/year
Describe the Great flood
Feb 1953 Great Flood: mid-latitude depression moving south through the North Sea generated a 5m Storm Surge
What was the effect of the great flood
Combined with high tides
Sea inundated 17% of Holland’s land area.
How are the population vulnerbale
Vulnerable population - projected increase in flood prone urban areas of between 30-125% by 2100.
Social and economic impacts of 1953 great flood
- Estimated economic cost of 1 billion ‘Dutch Guilders’
(~£400 million - 10% farmland destroyed (incl. 200,000+ farm animal deaths)
- ~50,000 buildings damaged
- 72,000 displaced
- 1,836 confirmed deaths
What was the government response to rising Sl
1) Government to set aside 1 billion Euros every year for their coastal flood defence system
2) Deliberately flood farmland to lower river water level and relocate farmers
3) Reclaim land using ‘polders’ (low walled dykes) to build up marshland.
4) Pump water using windmills/turbines to higher elevations for irrigation.
5) Build a 9km storm surge barrier.
6) Use local expertise to build floating houses/cities on hollow concrete pontoons.
Similarities in netherlands and bangladesh
- Low lying
- delta based coastline
- funnel shaped
What % of netherlands and bangladesh are underwater
Bangladesh: 76%
Netherlands; 26%
