How big does a pond have to be before it is classed as a lake?

Answer 1

A pond is typically a man made body of water smaller than a lake. However the difference between a pond and an artificial lake is subjective. They are both formed by ponding water, either by excavating a hollow in which water may lie or by forming a dam to impound the water in a valley. The techniques may be combined to form a reservoir in flat country by enclosing an area with an embankment. Such a pond, unless very small, is usually called a reservoir. In some cultures, the meaning has been extended to include small bodies of water impounded naturally. (Oxford English Dictionary)

Scientifically, a pond is any man made body of water where light is found in the entire body of water. A lake is any body of water that has a profundal zone; there is as limit of effective light penetration for organisms. Hence, Lake Superior can theoretically be defined as Pond Superior because light does extend to the bottom of the "lake".

Answer 2

generally speaking, a lake has multiple habitat zones, varying by depth. ponds are much shallower (and smaller) and have only a single subaqueous habitat zone. plus, ponds frequently expand and constrict noticeably, dependent on rainfall and ground moisture. they can even dry up completely, creating what is known in the north country as a bog.

Answer 3

It's called a lake when a UK politician claims expenses for cleaning out his garden pond.

Answer 4

The subject would be user defined. For example when people travel overseas it is often referred to as going "across the pond."