Transformation of the hydrological regime of marsh-ridden areas by landreclamation and forecasting its influence on the hydrometeorological conditions of the environment : analysis and case study of the Netherlands

The lowering of the groundwatertable and the improvement of the run-off systems form two essential conditions on reclaiming marsh ridden areas. Some questions related to these factors are: to what depth the groundwaterlevel should be lowered?; how to realize this lowering and how to maintain the desired level?; what effects can be expected as a result of the hydrological changes in the area as well as in the environment?; is it possible to forecast the effects of human activities on the hydrometeorological conditions and what do weneed for a better approach? Attention is paid to results of investigations which have been completed or are going on on these questions in the Netherlands.