Why are there locks in the Panama Canal?

Answer 1

Panama Canal, an engineering wonder, constructed between the North & South America. Know the layout of the canal, how the ships get lifted up above the sea level for transit, the lock gates, its construction and importance in shipping industry.

Answer 2

Because it has to overcome a height difference. The ground is considerably higher than sea level at the middle of the canal. So instead of digging the canal to an impossible depth the locks are used to lower and raise the ships instead.

Answer 3

Locks work by taking the advantage of water running down hill. The water is raised by closing the downstream pipe, filling up the box. Anything floating in the box will raise. Closing the upstream pipe and opening the downstream one causes the water level to sink as it flows away.

ADDED. The upper parts of the canal above the locks are replenished from streams flowing from neighbouring, higher land. The same principles apply on almost all canals anywhere.

Answer 4

Locks work by taking the advantage of water running down hill. The water is raised by closing the downstream pipe, filling up the box. Anything floating in the box will raise. Closing the upstream pipe and opening the downstream one causes the water level to sink as it flows away.

Answer 5

When traveling the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea), or vise versa, a ship must cross an area much higher than sea level, like climbing and descending a steep hill. A waterway large enough and deep enough to carry huge ships cannot be sustained on a hill. The locks were dug to raise and lower ships at strategic points to a level higher or lower on the waterway, like stair steps.

Answer 6

Locks work by taking the advantage of water running down hill. The water is raised by closing the downstream pipe, filling up the box. Anything floating in the box will raise. Closing the upstream pipe and opening the downstream one causes the water level to sink as it flows away.

Answer 7

The locks would close around the ship or barge and water would lift. Then the lock would open for the ship to continue.

Answer 8

The locks overcame the problems of elevation.

Answer 9

So ships and boats are are able to pass through and be level with the other side

ADDED: The locks are necessary because the Canal has to pass over a high ridge.

Answer 10

They allow ships to move from one water level to,another by changing the amount of water in the locks