Question

Explain the main features of the 'Panama canal'.

Answer 1

This canal connects the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. The Canal is about 72 km. long and involves a very deep cutting for a length of 12 km. It has a six-lock system and ships cross the different levels (26 m up and down) through these locks before entering the Gulf of Panama. It shortens the distance between New York and San Francisco by 13,000 km by sea.