The difference between a pond and a lake.

The difference between a pond and a lake.

Most would say it’s size, a lake is bigger, a pond is smaller. That’s actually wrong. From government websites to Wikipedia, the information is wrong. The difference is actually a result of the depth.Ponds, according to Limnology (the study of water bodies) are shallow enough where plants could conceivably grow across the entire surface. This area,

where plants could grow is known as the “photic zone,” meaning where the sun’s rays can reach the bottom.A lake, by contrast, has an “aphotic zone,” meaning there is an area deep enough that sunlight can’t reach the bottom.

As a result, there are some very small bodies of water, less than an acre that is deep enough to be called lakes. Conversely, there are some very large, but shallow water bodies, particularly in the south that are technically ponds, (though they’re called lakes) because their “photic zone” expands the entire length and width.

So, at least with lakes and ponds, size doesn’t really matter.

Easier explanation:

Pond: A pond is a body of water the pond is always is shallower than a lake which makes it a pond. Another thing that makes it a pond is the sun can reach the bottom so plants can grow in it.

Lake: a lake is a much deeper body of water so the plants cannot grow because the sun can't reach the bottom, therefore, the plants can't get the sun to grow just like on land plants need the sun and water for them to grow.

A lake, by contrast, has an “aphotic zone,” meaning there is an area deep enough that sunlight can’t reach the bottom.

As a result, there are some very small bodies of water, less than an acre that is deep enough to be called lakes. Conversely, there are some very large, but shallow water bodies, particularly in the south that are technically ponds, (though they’re called lakes) because their “photic zone” expands the entire length and width.

So, at least with lakes and ponds, size doesn’t really matter.