esclusa

An esclusa, also known as a lock or lift bridge, is a hydraulic structure used to manage the difference in water levels between two bodies of water, such as a river and a canal, or two different levels of a canal. It allows boats and ships to navigate between areas at different elevations without the need for a steep slope or a series of locks.

The esclusa consists of two gates, one at each end, which can be raised or lowered to allow water to flow in or out. When a boat approaches the esclusa, the gates at the lower end are closed, and water is allowed to flow into the lock until the water level inside matches that of the higher body of water. The boat then enters the lock, and the gates at the lower end are opened, allowing the water to flow out. The gates at the higher end are then closed, and water is allowed to flow into the lock until the water level inside matches that of the lower body of water. The boat exits the lock, and the process is repeated in reverse.

Escluse are commonly found in the waterways of Italy, particularly in the Po Valley, where they were used to manage the difference in water levels between the river and the surrounding canals. Today, esclusa are still used in some waterways, but they are less common than in the past due to the development of other navigation aids, such as aqueducts and bridges.