Lakes - Concepts - Chapter 3 Class 9 Geography - Drainage - Geography

Last updated at April 16, 2024 by Teachoo

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).

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.