Management of coastal flooding in netherlands

Question 1

how is the netherlands at risk?

Answer 1

it is a low lying coastline

Question 2

management of the dutch coastline is divided into 3 main areas…

Answer 2

the delta region
the zudier zee
the coastal dune area

Question 3

what has been done in the delta region to manage the coast?

Answer 3

dams
freshwater areas have been created
the delta scheme has reduced the length of the affected coastline from 800km to 80km

Question 4

what has been done at the Zudier Zee?

Answer 4

a 30km barrier completed by 1932 created a freshwater lake.

the lake has largely been reclaimed as artificial land providing areas for urban expansion and agriculture

Question 5

what happens each year at the coastal dune area?

Answer 5

7 million m3 of sand is washed away and only part of this is deposited on the coast

Question 6

what are the main protective measures which take place at the coastal dune area?

Answer 6

1. sand mixed with water is pumped from the sea bed and sprayed on the beaches - groynes hold the sand on the beaches
2. vegetation is planted to hold the sand
3. sleeper dykes are placed below the dunes to keep them in place
4. certain areas are fenced off to prevent access and trampling