Definition |
Examples of Lakes |
A lake is a body of water that is surrounded by land.
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Characteristics and Features
- most lakes contain fresh water
- have land all around it
- usually have a river or stream feeding into it
How are lakes formed?
There are many ways that lakes are formed. Many lakes were formed by glaciers which have left behind a bowl-shaped depression which fill with water. Lakes can also be formed by other changes of the Earth. Crater lakes have been formed in volcanic craters.
Fun Facts
- There are millions of lakes in the world.
- Lakes are found on every continent and in every kind of environment—in mountains and deserts, on plains, and near seashores.
- 90% of the surface water on Earth is found in lakes.
- Lakes only last a few thousand years and then dry up.
- Reservoirs are man made lakes.