The Netherlands
The geography of the Netherlands is unusual in that much of its land has been reclaimed from the sea and is below sea level, protected by dikes. The Netherlands are mostly composed of deltaic, coastal and eolian derived sediments during the Pleistocene glacial and interglacial periods.
The country can be split into 2 areas:
- the low and flat lands in the west and north. These lands, including the reclaimed polders and river deltas, make up about half of its surface area and are less than 1 metre (3.3 ft) above sea level, much of it actually below sea level. An extensive range of seawalls and coastal dunes protect the Netherlands from the sea, and levees and dikes along the rivers protect against river flooding.
- the higher lands with minor hills in the east and south. Even this portion is mostly flat; only in the extreme south of the country does the land rise to any significant extent, in the foothills of the Ardennes mountains. This is where Vaalserberg is located, the country's highest point at 322.7 metres (1,053 ft) above sea level.
Dunes and Polders
At the above coordinates you will find a cross section of the Netherlands which shows the different layers from the Veluwe in the East to the dunes of the North Sea in the West.
The building is open from 7am -12pm. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. You don't have to pay the entrance fee to collect the information! (see also note by Ko)
To log this Earhcache answer the following questions (answers can be found at the location):
1. Which is the biggest layer under Schiphol Airport?
2. How many centimeters below N.A.P. is the water of the Amsterdam's canals usually?
Send me an e-mail with your answers.
I will only respond if your answers are incorrect. Go ahead and log the earthcache..