Ancient Science of China中国古代科学
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大运河闸坝系统

Grand Canal Lock System

A pound-lock (double-gate lock) system that raises and lowers vessels in stages to overcome terrain elevation differences. Predates European pound locks by several centuries.

大运河闸

Scientific Principle

Communicating vessels principle: when the lock chamber connects to upstream, water levels automatically equalize. Double-gate relay overcomes elevation differences.