We explain what a lake is, how it is formed and classified. Also, what are its main characteristics, flora, fauna and more.
Lakes are bodies of water that are surrounded by land . A lake can contain either fresh or salt water. They present waters that are called " short-lived " since these waters can be absorbed by the land that surrounds them or evaporate.
The definition of a lake is often confused with that of a pond . The difference is that the lake has a larger dimension than the pond.
Since the lake is water that is crossed by dry land , it is not surprising that it changes its volume and even dries up or becomes a swamp. The latter are named after seasonal or ephemeral lakes.
They are divided into 5 groups:
The lakes can be artificial (produced by the hand of man) or natural.
Lakes can be open or closed.
The flora of the lakes can vary in terms of species and size depending on several factors: the area in which the lake is located, the type of water in it, pollution (if any), etc. Therefore the flora is composed of mosses, ferns, reeds, reeds and algae in the underwater part of the lake.
The fauna is also variable according to the characteristics described above. However, there is an animal that is characterized and specifically inhabits lakes. It is the beaver . This rodent is responsible for the formation of natural dams that help regulate the depth and extent of water.
Turtles , crabs, frogs, birds , and reptiles can also be found . The fish will also vary according to the type of water in it.
As mentioned above, there are certain lakes that have notable salinity characteristics . This is due to the fact that these waters come from the ocean and have been isolated from it by different climatic reactions or modifications of the tectonic plates .
These deformations can be produced by the action of man or by natural issues where a river or the movement of more modern tectonic plates can modify the course of the water causing them to disappear or modify their dimension.
The action of man on the lakes has altered (and continues to alter) their volume. Their consumption is associated with industry , electricity , artificial irrigation and even recreational activities.
The 4 largest lakes are the following:
The danger of the lakes is mainly due to pollution or the excessive use that man makes of these waters. This produces an ecological imbalance that affects not only the flora and fauna, but also ends up contaminating the groundwater, notably altering the environment and exterminating several species, both plant and animal.
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