Lake

What is a Lake?

A lake is a big area filled with water, all surrounded by land. Unlike oceans, lakes are completely landlocked. They give us fresh water to drink and help plants and animals live. Most lakes have fresh water, but some have salt water, even saltier than the ocean!

Where Are Lakes Found?

Lakes can be found in many places. You might see them in mountains, old volcano craters, or places where glaciers used to be. Some lakes are fed by springs, rivers, or rain. Others stay filled only by rainfall. People also make lakes called reservoirs for useful things like giving power, water for towns, or places to play and relax.

Fun Facts About Lakes

• Lakes are usually bigger and deeper than ponds.
• The largest lake in the world by surface area is the Caspian Sea, though it is often called a sea.
• Lake Baikal in Siberia is the deepest lake and also the oldest lake in the world.
• Some lakes change with the seasons. They might fill up with water in the rainy season and dry up later.
• There are lakes on other planets! Saturn’s moon Titan has lakes made of ethane, a kind of liquid different from water.

Lakes are wonderful places for animals and plants to live, and they are important for people too. Next time you visit a lake, remember all the interesting things that make it special!