Panama Canal
Scientists recently stumbled upon a lost forest in the Panama Canal, dating back around 22 million years.
About Panama Canal:
- It is an artificial waterwaythat connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.
- The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade.
- It was cut through one of the narrowest saddles of the isthmus that joins North and South America.
- It is one of the two most strategic artificial waterways in the world, the other being the Suez Canal.
- It is approximately 80 kilometres long.
- It consists of a series of locks that raise and lower the water level to facilitate the passage of ships through the continental divide.
- History:
- France began work on the canal in 1881, but financial troubles and diseases made the initiative fail.
- The United States took over the project on May 4, 1904, and opened the canal on August 15, 1914, and then managed the waterway until 1999.
- On December 31, 1999, Panama took over full operation, administration, and maintenance of the Canal, in compliance with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties negotiated with the United States in 1977.