Land Reclamation

Definition

Land Reclamation: Land reclamation, also referred to simply as reclamation, is a process by which previously unusable or submerged land is converted into useful land for development. This process often involves the filling of wetlands, the drainage of submerged land, or the use of imported materials like sand and soil to create new land areas.

Key Objectives

Agricultural Expansion: Reclaim land for growing crops and other agricultural activities to meet food demand.
Urban Development: Convert land for residential, commercial, and industrial uses to support population growth.
Infrastructure Development: Create space for necessary infrastructure such as roads, ports, and airports.
Environmental Protection: Restore ecosystems and protect shores from erosion.
Water Management: Enhance flood management and water storage.

Examples

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai: An artificial archipelago created using land reclamation techniques.
Netherlands: Extensive use of land reclamation to create polders (low-lying tracts of land enclosed by dikes) for agricultural use.
Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong: The site of the Hong Kong International Airport, created by reclaiming land from the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the methods used in land reclamation?

Hydraulic Reclamation: Using water to dredge and fill areas with sand, clay, or rocks.
Dry Reclamation: Using heavy machinery to shift land or soil to the required area.
Electro-Osmosis: Using electric currents to dehydrate moist land.

Is land reclamation environmentally sustainable?

Sustainability depends on the techniques used and the impact on local ecosystems. Proper planning and modern, less invasive techniques can mitigate adverse effects.

What are the economic benefits of land reclamation?

Economic Development: Generates new land for industries, residential areas, and agricultural use, stimulating economic growth.
Revenue: Land reclamation projects, especially in high-demand areas, can generate significant financial returns.

Polder: A low-lying tract of land enclosed by dikes that forms an artificial hydrological entity.
Dredging: The process of excavating material from a water environment to create new land or deepen existing water bodies.
Dikes: Protective barriers that prevent flood waters from covering low-lying land areas.
Erosion Control: Measures or techniques used to prevent soil erosion, often utilized in land reclamation projects.

Online Resources

References

NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). Land Reclamation. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Reclamation Programs.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Environmental Land Use Planning and Management” by John Randolph
“Reclamation of Drastically Disturbed Lands” edited by Frank. W. Schaller and Paul Sutton
“Ground Engineering — Principles and Practices for Underground Coal Mining” by Chris A. Hatherly and Colin D. McCartney

Real Estate Basics: Land Reclamation Fundamentals Quiz

### What is the main purpose of land reclamation? - [ ] To create natural habitats for wildlife. - [ ] Only to drain wetlands. - [x] To create usable land for development purposes. - [ ] To reduce global warming. > **Explanation:** The primary purpose of land reclamation is to create new usable land for development activities including residential, commercial, agricultural, and infrastructural projects. ### Which country is well-known for its extensive use of polders due to land reclamation? - [x] Netherlands - [ ] United States - [ ] China - [ ] Brazil > **Explanation:** The Netherlands is renowned for its extensive use of polders, which are areas of reclaimed land surrounded by dikes. ### Land reclamation in Dubai used for creating artificial islands is known as? - [ ] Aqua Alto - [ ] Desert Dream - [x] Palm Jumeirah - [ ] Sea Spruce > **Explanation:** Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is created through land reclamation, making it a prominent example of reclaimed land used for residential and commercial purposes. ### Which method involves the use of water to dredge and fill areas? - [x] Hydraulic Reclamation - [ ] Dry Reclamation - [ ] Electro-Osmosis - [ ] Terraforming > **Explanation:** Hydraulic Reclamation involves using water to excavate materials such as sand or clay, then filling areas to create new land. ### Which of the following structures is used to protect reclaimed land from floods? - [ ] Reservoirs - [ ] Canals - [x] Dikes - [ ] Wells > **Explanation:** Dikes are protective barriers that prevent floodwaters from inundating low-lying reclaimed areas. ### Environmental protection in land reclamation can include? - [ ] Increased urban sprawl - [ ] Diverting water bodies - [x] Erosion control and habitat creation - [ ] Converting forests into landfills > **Explanation:** Effective environmental protection in land reclamation includes erosion control and creating habitats to conserve the ecosystem. ### What kind of economic benefits can land reclamation provide? - [x] Stimulating economic growth and generating financial returns - [ ] Reducing national debt - [ ] Decreasing property values - [ ] Limiting land usage > **Explanation:** Land reclamation stimulates economic growth by creating new valuable land for various purposes and can generate significant financial returns. ### Which is a primary environmental concern with land reclamation? - [x] Disturbance of local ecosystems - [ ] Increase in earthquakes - [ ] Global temperature drop - [ ] Filtration of pollutants > **Explanation:** One main environmental concern is that land reclamation can disturb existing ecosystems, affecting flora and fauna. ### Where is the Hong Kong International Airport built? - [x] Reclaimed land at Chek Lap Kok - [ ] Floating on water - [ ] On a historically preserved island - [ ] In the central business district > **Explanation:** The Hong Kong International Airport is built on reclaimed land at Chek Lap Kok. ### Which term describes measuring and preventing the erosion of a newly created land area? - [ ] Drainage - [x] Erosion Control - [ ] Sedimentation - [ ] Levee Management > **Explanation:** Erosion control measures are crucial in preventing soil from being washed away, especially in newly reclaimed land areas.