canal lock
Boat level changer
A canal lock is an enclosure with gates at each end, used to raise or lower boats between stretches of water at different levels.
Water is added or drained to match the level ahead, allowing vessels to navigate changes in elevation: The barge entered the lock and waited for the water to rise.
Locks enabled canal systems to cross hilly terrain.
- lockkeeperCanal gate attendant
- bargeFlat freight vessel
- towpathCanal-side walking route
- inland waterwayNavigable route through land
- water levelHeight of liquid surface
rising water · chamber · masonry · wicket · reservoir · valve · mitre · balance beam · hydraulic system · maritime heritage · quoin · penstock · cill · gate · winch · flow control · water · pound
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