What exactly does a canal do, and how does it work?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canal
It makes New York bigger than Philadelphia :)
A canal is a man-made waterway that is created by digging or constructing channels in the ground. Canals have several purposes, such as transportation, irrigation, drainage, or even as a source of hydroelectric power.
In order to understand how a canal works, let's break it down into a few key components:
1. Water Source: A canal requires a water source to supply it with water. This can be a natural source like a river or a reservoir, or it can be artificially supplied through pumping stations.
2. Planning and Design: Before the construction of a canal, thorough planning and design are essential. Engineers carefully survey the area to determine the most suitable route for the canal, taking into account factors like elevation, soil type, and existing infrastructure.
3. Excavation: Once the route is finalized, the construction process begins. Excavation methods, such as digging with machinery or blasting with explosives, are used to create a trench or channel in the ground.
4. Lining and Shaping: To prevent leakage and erosion, the canal is often lined with materials like concrete or clay. The canal's shape is sometimes modified to achieve efficient water flow, including straight sections, curves, bends, and locks.
5. Water Flow: Water flows into the canal from the water source, either by gravity or by pumping. The water level is carefully managed to maintain a consistent flow. In some cases, water gates or sluices may be used to control the flow and to divert water to different areas.
6. Locks (if applicable): If the elevation of the land changes along the canal route, locks may be constructed. These are chambers with gates that allow boats or ships to move up or down the different water levels. By filling or emptying the lock chamber with water, vessels can be raised or lowered to the desired level.
7. Maintenance: Canals require regular maintenance to ensure their proper functioning. This includes clearing debris, checking for leakage or erosion, and maintaining water levels. Dredging may also be necessary to remove sediment buildup and maintain the canal's depth.
Overall, canals provide a reliable means of transporting goods and people, supplying water for irrigation, and managing water resources. They ensure efficient movement of water, create economic opportunities, and contribute to the overall development of an area.