15 BIGGEST Canals in the World

Summary

This video explores the world's 15 most significant canals, each with unique characteristics and historical importance. From the slender Corinth Canal in Greece, which is the deepest, to the ancient Grand Canal in China, spanning 1,104 miles and linking major rivers, the list includes vital waterways like the Panama Canal, known for its lock gates, and the Suez Canal, a crucial link between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. These canals not only facilitate trade and transportation but also showcase human engineering prowess.

Takeaways

• 🚢 The Corinth Canal in Greece is the world's deepest canal at 26 feet and connects the Gulf of Corinth to the Aegean Sea.
• 🌊 The White Sea-Baltic Sea Canal is crucial for regulating traffic in Russia and has facilitated the transport of 193 million tons of cargo since its opening.
• 🌉 The Panama Canal is a historic waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, featuring lock gates to manage different water levels.
• 🛳️ The Volga-Don Canal is Russia's largest shortcut, linking the Volga River to the Don River and facilitating access to the Black Sea and Caspian Sea.
• 🚧 The Kiel Canal in Germany is a vital route for ships, connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea and bypassing the dangerous waters around Denmark.
• 🏗️ The Houston Ship Channel in the United States is a significant waterway for the southern region, connecting Houston, Texas, to the Gulf of Mexico.
• 🌍 The Danube-Black Sea Canal is a key European passageway, linking the Danube River to the Black Sea and providing access to Eastern Europe.
• 🏞️ The Karakum Canal in Turkmenistan is one of the world's largest irrigation canals, supplying water across the Karakum Desert and supporting agriculture.
• 🌾 The Saima Canal in Russia is a picturesque waterway connecting Lake Saimaa to the Gulf of Finland, known for its beautiful scenery and historical significance.
• 🏙️ The Bangkok Klongs in Thailand are a network of canals used for transportation and trade, earning the city the nickname 'Venice of the East'.

Q & A

What is the Corinth Canal known for?

The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf in Greece. It is known for being very narrow, which limits its use to smaller ships and requires precision navigation. Despite its narrowness, the canal is important for bypassing the rough waters around the Peloponnesian Cape.

What is the historical significance of the White Sea-Baltic Sea Canal?

The White Sea-Baltic Sea Canal was completed in 1933 and connects the White Sea in the north to the Baltic Sea in the south. It was important for regulating internal Russian water traffic and has transported over 193 million tons of cargo since it opened.

How does the Panama Canal manage the difference in sea levels between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans?

The Panama Canal uses a system of lock gates to raise and lower ships to the appropriate water level. This ensures that vessels can safely navigate between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, despite the difference in sea levels between the two bodies of water.

Why is the Volga-Don Canal significant for Russian maritime routes?

The Volga-Don Canal connects the Volga and Don Rivers, linking Russia's eastern and western shipping networks. It provides a shortcut for vessels traveling between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, playing a crucial role in Russian trade routes.

What advantage does the Kiel Canal offer to ships in Europe?

The Kiel Canal allows ships to bypass the longer and often treacherous route around Denmark’s Jutland Peninsula, saving around 250 nautical miles. It connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, providing a safer and faster route for vessels.

How does the Houston Ship Canal contribute to the United States' economy?

The Houston Ship Canal, which connects Houston, Texas, to the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the busiest seaports in the U.S. It plays a crucial role in the American South's shipping industry, with multiple terminals and berths, ensuring smooth operations for large amounts of barge traffic.

What role does the Danube-Black Sea Canal play in European trade?

The Danube-Black Sea Canal connects the Danube River to the Black Sea, allowing ships to bypass the more dangerous Danube Delta. This canal provides a smooth and efficient route for European trade, interlinking with other important waterways like the Volga-Don Canal.

What is unique about the Karakum Canal in Turkmenistan?

The Karakum Canal is one of the largest irrigation and water supply canals in the world, running 854 miles across the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan. It provides essential drinking water and supports agricultural production, especially cotton monoculture.

How did the Suez Canal impact global trade when it was blocked in 2021?

When a cargo ship became stuck in the Suez Canal in March 2021, it completely blocked one of the world's busiest waterways for six days, disrupting global trade. The incident highlighted the canal's critical importance, as it links Europe with countries bordering the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

What is the historical importance of the Grand Canal in China?

The Grand Canal, also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is the longest and oldest canal in the world, built in the 5th century. It connects the Yellow River to the Yangtze River, playing a vital role in China’s economy by linking the northern and southern regions for trade and transportation.