Here are some key characteristics:
* Size: Lakes can range in size from small ponds to large inland seas.
* Depth: Some lakes are very shallow, while others are thousands of meters deep.
* Origin: Lakes can be formed by various processes, such as:
* Tectonic activity: The movement of the Earth's crust can create depressions that fill with water.
* Volcanic activity: Craters formed by volcanoes can fill with water and become lakes.
* Glacial activity: Glaciers can carve out valleys that become lakes.
* River activity: Meanders in rivers can be cut off, forming oxbow lakes.
* Freshwater or saltwater: Most lakes are freshwater, but there are also saltwater lakes, such as the Dead Sea.
Important Note: While some bodies of water may be called "seas", they are often considered lakes if they are largely surrounded by land. For example, the Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world by area.