InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society > Student Materials > Module 9: Smart Building > The Need for Growth > The Netherlands
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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The Netherlands

The terp mounds were a very resilient system against flood protection. However, the size of the constructed mounds was limited and they could only support small villages. With continued population growth and the need for more protected space in villages, the Dutch began building ring dikes around towns. As settlements continued to expand into the low, coastal areas, the land was drained using increasingly elaborate means (diteches, windmills, steam pumps). This drainage, coupled with peat harvesting and poldering (a method used to reclaim land from the sea), caused extensive subsidence, which increased flooding vulnerability. The increasing populations and value of property inhabiting lowlands required higher and stronger dikes, so much so that now most of the Dutch population and economic activity is supported by areas below sea level that are protected from floods by massive, nearly-indestructible dikes and surge barriers. With such high consequences of flooding, dikes and barrier structures for much of the country are designed to protect against a flood with a 1 in 10,000 year recurrence interval.

Activate Your Learning

Objectives

Understand the benefits of building with nature, and distinguish smart building approaches

Although this assignment is not for credit, you will be expected to understand this material in quizzes and midterms.

Assignment

Watch the following video on the "Deltaworks" flood protection system in the Netherlands and answer the questions below.

Question 1 - Essay

Why was the design of the Oosterschelde (Eastern-schelde) Barrier changed?

Question 2 - Essay

How does the new design support nature and other coastal uses?

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »