- #31
JaredJames
- 2,818
- 22
D H said:
Yep, my initial post here funny enough (even quoted the entire section to help the OP).
He just sort of blanked it.
Panama canal: why don't the two sides level out?
- Thread starter twain
- Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The Pacific Ocean is consistently 20 cm higher than the Atlantic Ocean at the Panama Canal due to differences in water density and prevailing ocean conditions. The locks in the canal prevent continuous water flow between the two oceans, allowing only limited water exchange to accommodate ships. Ocean currents and geographic features play a significant role in maintaining this level difference, which is not unique to Panama but observed in other regions as well. The phenomenon is influenced by factors such as the Coriolis effect and differential heating of water at the equator.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of oceanography and sea level dynamics
- Knowledge of the Coriolis effect and its impact on ocean currents
- Familiarity with the concept of water density and its variations
- Basic principles of geodetic leveling and datum reference systems
- Research the Coriolis effect and its implications for ocean currents
- Explore the concept of geodetic leveling and the Panama Canal Datum
- Investigate the role of ocean salinity in density differences between ocean basins
- Learn about the impact of geographic features on oceanic water levels
Oceanographers, environmental scientists, civil engineers involved in canal design, and anyone interested in the dynamics of ocean levels and currents.