What does the need for the locks tell you about the geography of the Canal Zone?

Locks raise and lower ships when they travel between sections of water at different elevations. Gatún Lake is above sea level, so ships must be lifted to the lake’s level and then lowered again to continue through the canal. This shows that the Canal Zone’s geography has significant changes in elevation; it does not mean water must be pumped in because the area is very dry.

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