Locks are engineered systems, often part of a connecting channel, used to overcome changes in water level. Locks operate by taking in a downbound ship at an upstream water level, closing the gates on the lock, letting water out to lower the ship to the downstream water level and then opening its gates to allow the ship to proceed. The reverse process occurs for upbound boats. Currently, 3 lock systems, containing a total of 20 locks, are operated on the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway system. |
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