Water Smart: Water on Earth - Lakes

Lakes are bodies of freshwater that can form naturally or be man-made. They vary in size and can influence local weather patterns, such as the Great Lakes in the United States. The water levels in lakes depend on precipitation, and they serve as crucial sources of drinking water for many communities. Lakes are also ecosystems for various fish and plants, and some freeze in winter, allowing aquatic life to survive beneath the ice.

What are the primary ways lakes are formed?

• By volcanic eruptions

• Naturally by water drainage and artificially by dam construction

• Through tectonic activity

• By meteor impacts

How do the Great Lakes affect the climate of nearby cities?

• They make the cities warmer in winter

• They have no effect on the climate

• They keep cities cooler in summer and provide moisture for snow in winter

• They cause more rainfall throughout the year

What is a reservoir?

• A lake that has dried up

• A lake built or controlled to supply water to a city or town

• A lake used for recreational activities

• A natural lake

Why do some lakes freeze in winter?

• Because they are shallow

• Because they are located at high altitudes

• Because of high salt content

• Due to low temperatures

What happens to fish in lakes during winter when the surface freezes?

• They die due to lack of oxygen

• They remain in the water beneath the ice

• They hibernate

• They migrate to warmer waters