Schleusen

Schleusen is the plural of Schleuse in German, a term used in hydrology and navigation to describe structures that regulate water and enable passage between bodies of water at different levels. In English, Schleuse is commonly translated as lock when referring to a navigation lock in a canal, or sluice gate when referring to a gate controlling water flow. Schleusen are essential components of canal and river navigation systems.

A lock consists of a watertight chamber with gates at both ends and valves or sluice gates to admit or discharge water. To raise or lower a vessel, water is added to or drained from the chamber from the adjacent waterway until the water level matches the next section; then the gates to that section are opened, allowing the vessel to continue.

Sluice gates, on the other hand, regulate the flow of water in rivers, canals, dams, irrigation systems and tidal barriers. They can be operated manually, mechanically, or automatically. In many systems, sluices provide flood control, sediment management and water distribution, beyond navigation.

The concept dates back to early canal engineering and remains widely used in Europe, North America and elsewhere. Modern Schleusen may be automated and integrated with traffic signaling, navigational aids and safety systems.