Noorderhaaks facts for kids
Noorderhaaks, also called Razende Bol, is a small, empty island in the Netherlands. It is part of the province of North Holland. This special island belongs to the municipality of Texel. It covers an area of about 4 square kilometers (about 1.5 square miles).
Noorderhaaks is one of the West Frisian Islands, also known as the Waddeneilanden in Dutch. It is the most western island in this group. You can find it southwest of the larger island of Texel.
Contents
A Shifting Island
Noorderhaaks is quite unique because it is a "wandering island." This means it slowly moves and changes its shape over time. Strong ocean currents and winds cause the sand to shift. This makes the island look different from year to year.
How Islands Move
Islands like Noorderhaaks are made mostly of sand. They are not fixed in one place like islands made of rock. The wind blows sand around, and the sea currents push it. Over many years, this natural process can cause the island to drift. It might even grow or shrink in size.
Watching Noorderhaaks Change
Scientists and nature lovers often watch Noorderhaaks. They want to see how it changes. The time-lapse image below shows how much the island has moved. It also shows how its shape has changed between 1984 and 2017. This movement is a natural part of coastal areas.
Home for Wildlife
Even though no people live on Noorderhaaks, it is full of life. It is a very important place for many animals. The quiet beaches and sandy areas make it a perfect spot for them.
Seals and Birds
Noorderhaaks is a favorite resting place for seals. You can often see many seals relaxing on its shores. They come here to rest, warm up in the sun, and have their pups. Different types of birds also use the island. Many seabirds stop here to rest during their long journeys. Some birds even build their nests on the island.
Island Plants
Because Noorderhaaks is mostly sand, only certain plants can grow there. These plants are very tough. They can survive in sandy soil and salty air. They help to hold the sand together. This slows down how fast the island changes shape. These plants are an important part of the island's ecosystem.
Part of the West Frisian Islands
Noorderhaaks is part of a special chain of islands. These are the West Frisian Islands. They stretch along the coast of the Netherlands and Germany. These islands protect the mainland from the sea. They also create a unique area called the Wadden Sea.
The Wadden Sea
The Wadden Sea is a very important natural area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means it is recognized as a place of special importance to everyone. The Wadden Sea has unique mudflats that appear at low tide. These mudflats are full of tiny creatures. They provide food for millions of birds. Noorderhaaks plays a small but important role in this big natural system.
Images for kids
-
Stranded humpback whale (2012)
-
Time-lapse (1984-2017)
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Noorderhaaks para niños
