lakes

Lakes are large bodies of freshwater surrounded by land, formed through geological processes such as glacial activity, volcanic activity, or the filling of natural basins. They serve as important ecosystems providing habitat for diverse plants and animals, as well as resources for humans. Lakes vary in size, depth, and clarity, and they often influence local climates and support activities like recreation, fishing, and water supply. Their ecosystems rely on a balance of natural inputs like rainfall and inflows, as well as outputs like evaporation and outflows, maintaining their health and stability over time.