A large water body which is surrounded by land is called a lake.
India has many lakes. These differ from each other in the size, and other characteristics.
Most of the lakes are permanent, while some contain water only during the rainy season.
Lakes are formed by the action of glaciers and ice sheets, by wind, river action and by human activities.
There are two types of lakes:-
- Natural lakes for example; Chilika lake, Pulicat lake, Kolleru lake, etc
- Artificial lakes for example;Gobind Sagar is a man-made reservoir situated in Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh.
Benefits of lakes:
- A lake helps to regulate the flow of a river.
- During heavy rainfall, it prevents flooding.
- Lakes used for developing hydel power.
- Lakes moderate the climate of the surroundings.
- Lakes help develop tourism and provide recreation.
