The Dutch government built the Zuiderzee dam
to close off a large North Sea bay which frequently flooded villages and fields
during storms and high tides. The enclosed area is now a sweet-water lake and is
connected to the North Sea via locks.The diagrams show the changing
shape of the Zuiderzee from 2,000 years ago to when it was enclosed in 1932.
Five new polders, areas below sea-level and protected by dikes, were
created.
Click a picture to see a larger view.
