Locks are structures used to raise and lower boats between stretches of water of different levels. They contain a chamber that can be filled or emptied of water to match the water level outside. Common types of locks include canal locks, which raise or lower boats up a flight of locks; and tidal locks, which connect tidal and non-tidal waters and may become unusable at low tide. Locks come in variants like staircase locks and twin locks to improve efficiency. Other methods of elevation include inclined planes, boat lifts, and caisson locks. Locks are critical infrastructure for river and canal navigation.