Empoldering in the Netherlands

In 1170 Holland's physical shape was altered by flooding, a devastation that helped to form the Zuider Zee (now the IJsselmeer). William II, count of Holland from 1234 to 1256, promoted land reclamation, pressed for the maintenance of waterways and dikes, and encouraged municipal development by granting trading privileges to the growing towns of the county.During the succeeding rule of the house of Avesnes, economic prosperity was promoted by extensive land reclamationThe Netherlands, as its name suggests, is a low-lying country. About half of the country's landmass lies below sea level.This amount would increase should the polar ice caps melt and slowly raise the level of the sea due to global warming. Much of the western part, situated below sea level, is covered with clay and peat soils interspersed with canals, rivers, and arms of the sea. Farther to the east the land lies slightly above sea level and is flat to gently rolling.Empoldering refers to the creation of...