Are lakes always deeper than ponds?
Are lakes always deeper than ponds? In general, lakes tend to be larger and/or deeper than ponds, but numerous examples exist of “ponds” that are larger and deeper than “lakes.” For example, Echo “Lake” in Conway is 14 acres in surface area with a maximum depth of 11 feet, while Island “Pond” in Derry is nearly 500 acres and 80 feet deep.
What makes a lake a lake?
It may surprise you to know there is no technical difference between lakes and ponds, according to the National Park Service(Opens in a new window). However, a general rule of a thumb is if a body of water is large and deep it's a lake and if it's short and shallow it's a pond.
What are the three zones of a lake or pond?
A typical lake has three distinct zones (limnetic, littoral and the benthic zone; Fig. 11) of biological communities linked to its physical structure.
Can you swim in a pond?
Along with water quality, it is important that the physical characteristics of a pond are appropriate for swimming. The depth of the pond can often determine if it is safe to swim. In addition, sunken trees and submerged rocks can be invisible from the surface of the water and can pose a danger to swimmers.
What is the bottom of a pond or lake called?
Benthic Zone. The Benthic Zone is the bottom of the pond or lake and consists of organic sediments and soil. As the body of water ages, this zone will increase. It is considered the pond or lake's digestive system.
What are the three classifications of lakes?
Lakes are divided into three trophic categories: oligotrophic, mesotrophic and eutrophic. The prototypic oligotrophic lake is a large deep lake with crystal clear waters and a rocky or sandy shoreline.
How deep is water in lakes?
Lakes formed by the erosive force of ancient glaciers, such as the Great Lakes, can be thousands of feet deep. Some very large lakes may be only a few dozen feet deep — Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana has a maximum depth of only about 15 feet.
How deep should a lake be?
Depth should vary from 3 to 12 feet, with an average of 6 to 8 feet. Less than 3 feet of water allows sunlight to reach the bottom of the lake, thus promoting aquatic weed growth, which will limit fish size. In the South, 12 feet of water will protect fish during the winter months.