Author(s): Lucas Calvo; Noe Serrano; Jose Fabrega

Linked Author(s): Lucas Calvo, José Fábrega

Keywords: Panama Canal; Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics; Saline intrusion; Navigation Locks Operations

Abstract: This study analysed salinity transport in the Panama Canal locks using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method with DualSPHysics® software. Saline intrusion poses a significant threat to the quality of the water in Gatun Lake, the country's main source of freshwater. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the mixing patterns between saltwater and freshwater is imperative in order to mitigate negative effects. The main objective was to simulate various lock operation scenarios under different hydrodynamic conditions to evaluate salinity propagation under typical configurations. The results showed that the greatest influx of saltwater occurs when ships descend into the ocean. Furthermore, the effectiveness of implementing retention structures, such as basins, in reducing the influx of saltwater into the lake was demonstrated.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.348

Year: 2026