[citizen]

Most of the Panama Canal is actually an inland lake and waterway in Panama. This lake is higher than sea level and the ships must be raised or lowered at each end via ‘locks.’

If the water level in the lake/waterway falls, it takes longer for the locks to fill with water and this affects the speed with which the locks can be operated.

[blackdog]

I had a really good boss five years ago. He was a great electrical engineer specializing in utilities and distribution. He of course got fired for bringing bad news to management all the time.

He immediately got a job upgrading the Panama Canal systems. He tried to get a few of us to go with him. My wife wanted no part of that.

[FatherofFive]

Most of the Panama Canal is actually an inland lake and waterway in Panama. This lake is higher than sea level and the ships must be raised or lowered at each end via ‘locks.’

Thanks. I grew up in Buffalo NY, and knew the lock system of the Welland Canal, around Niagara Falls. A different setup.

[sonova]

I was ignorant of this. Thanks!