The Netherlands, or Holland, has a long history of battling the sea. With 60% of the population living below sea level, sophisticated flood control systems are essential. Between 1950 and 1997, the Dutch built
the Deltaworks, a complex network of dams, sluices, locks, dikes, and storm surge barriers.
One of the most impressive Deltaworks projects was the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, or the Oosterschelde. Instead of building a conventional dam, the Dutch constructed the barrier with movable gates.
After 1986, when the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier was completed, the tidal height was reduced from 3.40 meters (11.2 ft) to 3.25 meters (10.7 ft).
Next: The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier
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