Inflow facts for kids
An inflow is like a natural water pipe that brings fresh water into a lake or another body of water. Think of it as a river or stream that flows into a larger pool. The inflow gives the lake a constant supply of water.
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What is an Inflow?
Inflows are super important for lakes. They constantly supply water, keeping the lake full and healthy. Without inflows, lakes would slowly shrink and eventually dry up. This happens because water is always leaving the lake through something called evaporation. Evaporation is when water turns into a gas and goes up into the air.
How Lakes Get Their Water
Most lakes need inflows to stay full. These inflows can be rivers, streams, or even underground springs. The water they bring helps balance out the water lost to evaporation. It's like filling a bathtub while the drain is slightly open.
What Happens When There Are No Inflows?
If a lake doesn't have any rivers or streams flowing into it, it can be in trouble. Over time, all the water will evaporate. The lake bed will become dry land. This is why inflows are so vital for keeping lakes alive.
Lakes That Don't Need Inflows
Some very large lakes don't rely on inflows as much. They are big enough that they can stay full just from rain. An example of such a lake is the Great Salt Lake in Utah. It gets most of its water from rainfall directly onto its surface.
