The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal system is composed of three major locks, one on the Atlantic side (Gatun locks) and two on the Pacific side (Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks). The Gailard cut represents the line of continental divide. To supply this system of locks a large amount of water is required, purpose fulfilled by the artificially created Gatun Lake. Running parallel to the canal is the Panama Canal Railway designed to absorb the extra traffic generated by ships too large to use the facilities.

Copyright © 1998-2008, Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Dept. of Economics & Geography, Hofstra University. For personal or classroom use ONLY. This material (including graphics) is not public domain and cannot be published, in whole or in part, in ANY form (printed or electronic) and on any media without consent. Permission MUST be requested prior to use.