Waterway Lock Terminology

Front

Navigation Lock

Back

A structure that acts as a water elevator for vessels.

Front

Upper Pool

Back

The section of the waterway with a higher elevation.

Front

Lower Pool

Back

The section of the waterway with a lower elevation.

Front

Chamber

Back

The enclosed area where a vessel is raised or lowered.

Front

Miter Gates

Back

Large doors that seal the ends of the lock.

Front

Culverts

Back

A system of pipes that channel water into or out of the lock chamber.

Front

Hydraulic Forces

Back

The forces exerted by fluids in motion, relevant to lock filling/emptying.

Front

Lockage Time

Back

The total time a vessel spends in the lock cycle.