Flood Control in The Netherlands - Modern Developments - Zuiderzee Works

Zuiderzee Works

The Zuiderzee Works (Zuiderzeewerken) are a man-made system of dams, land reclamation and water drainage works. The basis of the project was the damming off of the Zuiderzee, a large shallow inlet of the North Sea. This dam, called the Afsluitdijk, was built in 1932-33, separating the Zuiderzee from the North Sea. As result, the Zuider sea became the IJsselmeer — IJssel lake.

Following the damming, large areas of land were reclaimed in the newly freshwater lake body by means of polders. The works were performed in several steps from 1920 to 1975. Engineer Cornelis Lely played a major part in its design and as statesman authorisation of its construction.

Read more about this topic:  Flood Control In The Netherlands, Modern Developments

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