The Falkirk Wheel moves boats from the lower level of the Forth & Clyde canal to the upper level of the Union canal, and vice versa. Boats are carried in 'gondolas' (water tanks) within the wheel. As one 'gondola' is rotated to the upper level the other opposing 'gondola' rotates in the opposite direction and in descent. In keeping with Mr Archimedes the cumulative weight of water and boat in one gondola is the same as the other (containing a boat or not - that's displacement). So little energy is required for the task. Hopefully the arrows and labels are broadly self explanatory as to how it works.


Photo Credit: Scott Marine Services