The Panama Canal, a vital passageway that moves 6 percent of the world’s maritime commerce, will extend transit restrictions due to drought-induced low water levels.
Canal authorities first announced restrictions this year, creating a backlog of vessels waiting to cross. But on Thursday, those restrictions were extended for at least 10 additional months.
I don’t think it’s sealed. The water table probably needs to be high enough for the water to not all vanish (and then salt the earth) or no pump would ever keep up.
Same reason lithium brine mining depletes fresh water somewhat in spite of only involving pumping brine.
Oh good point, it’s not like some gigantic bathtub