Panama Canal Key Vocabulary Quiz

A narrow strip of land connecting two larger landmasses, like Panama.

A man-made lake created to help ships cross the Panama Canal.

Water chambers that lift or lower ships between different elevations, allowing them to navigate the height changes in the Panama Canal.

A river that provides water for the Panama Canal, including for Gatun Lake.

A section of the Panama Canal that required engineers to cut through the challenging mountainous terrain.

The U.S. president who strongly advocated for the construction of the Panama Canal, seeing its strategic importance.

The practice of keeping areas clean and hygienic to prevent the spread of diseases, crucial for the canal project.

The 2007 upgrade of the Panama Canal to accommodate larger ships and conserve water.

A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas.

A man-made lake that helps ships cross the Panama Canal by raising their elevation.

Water chambers that lift or lower ships between different elevations in the canal.

A river that supplies water for the Panama Canal, including for Gatun Lake.

A challenging section of the canal through mountainous terrain.

The US President who pushed for the construction of the Panama Canal.

Keeping areas clean to prevent disease, critical for the Panama Canal project

The 2007 upgrade of the Panama Canal to handle larger ships and conserve water.

Explorers sought to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for faster trade since the 1500s. French attempts led by Ferdinand de Lesseps in the 19th century failed due to disease, financial issues, and engineering challenges.

Theodore Roosevelt wanted the US to build the canal for strategic importance. The US supported Panama's independence from Columbia to gain control of the Canal Zone.

Engineers shifted from a sea-level design to a lake and lock system. Gatun Lake and locks were created to manage elevation differences.

The Panama Canal is approximately 50 miles long.

The Panama Canal's width varies from 500 to 1000 feet wide.

It takes ships between 8 and 10 hours to pass through the Panama Canal.

Around 35 to 38 ships pass through the canal each day.

The original route from New York to California was 14,000 miles (22,530 kilometers), taking 198 days by ship. This route involved sailing entirely around South America. Shipping goods using this route cost 31% more.

The new route through the canal was 5,900 miles (9495 kilometers) from New York to California, taking 43 days by ship. This route required the construction of the canal. The project claimed over 27,000 lives during its construction and cost $922 million ($8.4 billion in today's currency).

The Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering that revolutionized global trade and transportation.

The canal is considered a strategic waterway for global trade and national security.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) manages and operates the canal, ensuring its efficient operation and safety.

The canal passes through a region rich in biodiversity, and conservation efforts are crucial to protect the environment.

The Panama Canal has played a significant role in the development of Central American countries, both economically and socially.

The canal continues to evolve to meet the growing demands of global trade and shipping.

The Panama Canal is a testament to human ingenuity and determination, an impressive feat of engineering that has profoundly impacted global trade and transportation.

Countries like the US and China have shown a strong interest in investing in the Panama Canal, reflecting its global strategic importance.

The Panama Canal has had a significant impact on global shipping and trade patterns.