Exploring Subsurface Water Conditions in Dutch Canal Dikes During Drought Periods: Insights From Multiyear Monitoring

A novel multiyear study of Dutch canal dikes reveals that non-hydrostatic hydraulic head levels during droughts pose significant risks to dike stability, often overlooked in safety assessments. Analyzing data from 2020 to 2023—including two extreme dry summers—the research highlights the precipitation deficit as the most reliable indicator for subsurface water conditions, outperforming standardized drought metrics like SPEI and SPI. The study also underscores differences between meteorological, soil moisture, and groundwater droughts, offering critical insights into dike recovery mechanisms and failure patterns during dry and wet periods. These findings enhance risk assessments, inspection procedures, and the identification of vulnerable spots in canal dikes, providing a foundation for improving infrastructure resilience.

Strijker, B., Heimovaara, T. J., Jonkman, S. N., & Kok, M. (2024). Exploring Subsurface Water Conditions in Dutch Canal Dikes During Drought Periods: Insights From Multiyear Monitoring. Water Resources Research, 60(9). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023wr036046