A
lake is an area of variable size filled with water, localized in a
basin, that is surrounded by land, apart from any
river or other outlet that serves to feed or drain the lake. Lakes lie on land and are not part of the
ocean (except for sea lochs in Scotland and Ireland), and therefore are distinct from
lagoons, and are also larger and deeper than
ponds, though there are no official or scientific definitions. Lakes can be contrasted with
rivers or
streams, which are usually flowing. However most lakes are fed and drained by rivers and streams.