Artificial islands are man-made islands. Such islands have been created by expanding existing islets which are very tiny islands. This can be done by draining the water around an islet, so as to create more land.
Artificial islands can also be built by construction on existing reefs, or by joining together several natural islets into a bigger island. Thus, they vary widely in size, from tiny islets that have been created to hold just a single pillar, building, or other structure, to those that support entire communities.
Artificial islands can also be created from material brought in from elsewhere. Dubai’s huge artificial islands are shaped like palm trees, and a map of the world.
Artificial islands are not a new concept. Even in the 14th century, the Nahua people created their capital, Tenochtitlan, on an artificial island in Lake Texcoco. Today, Mexico City sits on the remains of this ancient capital.
