The Panama Canal The lake is important as a reservoir of water for the operation of the canal locks. Each time a ship transits the canal 53,400,000 gallons of water is passed from the lake into the sea; with over 14,000 vessel transits per year, this represents a very large demand for water. Since rainfall is seasonal in Panama, the lake acts as a water store, allowing the canal to continue operation through the dry season
Home / Questions / The artificial Gatun Lake that was created between 1907 and 1913 forms a major component of what water body?