Lock and dam systems

Lock and dam systems are infrastructure components used on rivers and canals to manage water levels and facilitate navigation. A dam holds back water to raise levels upstream, creating a navigable channel. Locks are chambers with gates that allow boats and ships to move between different water levels. When a vessel enters a lock, the gates close, and water is either let in or drained out to match the level of the destination section. This system effectively enables vessels to traverse varying terrain and water heights safely and efficiently, supporting transportation and commerce along inland waterways.