A dike is a long wall or embankment built to prevent the flooding of low-lying areas. It is commonly made of earth, rock, or concrete and is designed to hold back water from rivers, lakes, or oceans. Dikes are essential in managing water levels and protecting agricultural land, homes, and infrastructure from potential water damage. In some regions, such as the Netherlands, dikes play a crucial role in land reclamation and flood control. The Dutch have a long history of building dikes, which are often part of a larger system that includes canals and polders to manage water effectively.