What are lakes and how are they formed?

Lakes form due to receding glaciers, plate tectonics, volcanism, meandering rivers, landslides and human damming. Most of the natural lakes in North America formed due to glaciers receding from the last ice age 18,000 years ago. Crater Lake in Oregon formed because of a volcano, when its cone on top collapsed. read more

A lava flow may block the outlet of a valley and form a lake basin. Sometimes the crater of an extinct volcano fills with water. Crater Lake (in South Oregon) is an example of this. Many lakes occupy basins formed by glacial erosion. All the Great Lakes (except Superior) are examples of lakes that were formed by glaciers. read more

Fun Facts about Rivers and Streams for Kids. Some rivers form when lakes overflow. The Mississippi River starts at Lake Itasca in Minnesota. Rivers and streams have many purposes. Farmers sometimes build canals and dams to catch the water and use it for crops. People travel by boat on rivers. Rivers provide a home for many fish and animals. read more