New research shows that large areas in the west of the Netherlands are sinking as a result of the settling of layers of peat - in some places by as much as 15 mm per year. Physical geographer Sanneke van Asselen will receive her doctorate from the University of Utrecht next week for the study.
Layers of peat at a depth of 10 metres below the surface in large parts of the provinces of South Holland and Utrecht have caused more than three metres of subsidence over the past 2,000 years.
The speed at which the ground is sinking depends on the thickness of the peat and the weight of the sand and clay layers above it. The process is also accelerated by the lowering of groundwater levels caused by agriculture.
The study shows that the settling of peat increases the risk of flooding and of subsiding dykes. "Taken together with the rise in sea levels, this is dangerous for the Netherlands," notes Ms Van Asselen.
The computer model she has developed enables estimates of future subsidence to be made. Time to buy some extra wooden shoes and sail away?.)
This blog is initiated by Hans A.H.C. de Wit, a Dutch living in Istanbul with co-bloggers from Turkey, Greece, the Netherlands, India and the USA. Writing about: politics, cultures, religions, art, daily life, communications, etc. Enjoy! And...At least one post a day!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
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