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Panama Canal, Panama (February, 2007)

The 48 mile Panama Canal traverses the Isthmus of Panama connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Construction of the canal was one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken. It was first attempted by the French beginning in 1880, which failed resulting in the deaths of 22,000 workers. The U.S took over the project in the early 1900s, with the canal opening in 1914. It was plagued by problems, including malaria, yellow fever and landslides. By the time the canal was completed, 5,500 more workers died. The canal has had an enormous impact on shipping between the two oceans, eliminating the long and treacherous route via Cape Horn.
Panama Canal, Panama cover page.
Panama Canal, Panama cover page.		 Map of Panama with the star indicating the Panama Canal.
Map of Panama with the star indicating the Panama Canal.		 View of the Panama Canal from the Miraflores Locks.
View of the Panama Canal from the Miraflores Locks.		 The locks were opening since a Chinese cargo ship was approaching.
The locks were opening since a Chinese cargo ship was approaching.
There are three sets of locks in the Panama Canal. On the Pacific entrance are Miraflores, which has two chambers.
There are three sets of locks in the Panama Canal. On the Pacific entrance are Miraflores, which has two chambers.		 Ships are raised 87 ft. above sea level into Gatun Lake and then lowered at the end of their transit into the other ocean.
Ships are raised 87 ft. above sea level into Gatun Lake and then lowered at the end of their transit into the other ocean.		 View the of Chinese cargo ship approaching.
View the of Chinese cargo ship approaching.		 Here, the Chinese cargo ship is passing through the Miraflores Locks.
Here, the Chinese cargo ship is passing through the Miraflores Locks.
Today, many larger cargo ships, tankers and aircraft carriers are too large to traverse the canal.
Today, many larger cargo ships, tankers and aircraft carriers are too large to traverse the canal.		 There are proposals to widen and modernize the canal to accommodate larger ships.
There are proposals to widen and modernize the canal to accommodate larger ships.

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