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Lakes
- There are numerous lakes in India.
- Thes e differ in terms of size and other characteristics.
- Some lakes are formed by the action of glaciers and ice sheets , while others are formed by wind, river action, and human activity.
- A m eandering river across a floodplain forms cut-offs that later develop into ox-bow lakes
- Spits and bars form lagoons in the coastal areas, e.g. the Chilika lake, the Pulicat lake, and the Kolleru lake.
- Lakes in the inland drainage region are sometimes seasonal , such as the saltwater Sambhar lake in Rajasthan.
- Sambhar lakes’ water is used for producing salt.
- The Himalayan region contains the majority of freshwater lakes.
- They formed when glaciers carved out a basin that was later filled by snowmelt
- The Wular lake in Jammu and Kashmir is the result of tectonic activity.
- Wular lake is India's largest freshwater lake.
- Other significant freshwater lakes include Dal Lake, Bhimtal, Nainital, Loktak, and Barapani.
- Aside from natural lakes, damming rivers for hydropower generation has r esulted in the formation of lakes such a s Guru Gobind Sagar (Bhakra Nangal Project).
Importance of Lakes
- A lake helps to regulate the flow of a river.
- It prevents flooding during heavy rains and helps to maintain an even flow of water during the dry season.
- Lakes can also be used to generate hydroelectric power.
- They help to maintain the aquatic ecosystem
- It also enhances the natural beauty of the region, develop tourism , and provide recreational opportunities.
