Difference Between Ocean, Rivers, and Lakes

Following are some important differences between river and sea and ocean:

Ocean

River

Lake

Huge water body that covers 2/3rd of the earth’s surface.

Flowing water body that ends in an ocean or a sea.

Stagnant water body.

Acts as the end point for other small water bodies.

Connects to a larger water body.

Does not end in any other water body.

These are naturally formed.

These are naturally formed.

These can be natural or man-made.

It’s a saltwater source.

It’s a freshwater source.

It’s a freshwater source.

Variety of aquatic species are found in an ocean.

Aquatic species found in rivers are comparatively lesser than oceans.

A lesser variety of aquatic species are found in lakes.

Examples : Octopus, sharks, giant squid, whales.

Examples : Crocodiles, and fish.

Examples : Ducks, fish, and water snakes.

Difference Between Ocean, Rivers and Lakes

The difference between the oceans, rivers, and lakes is based on the water quality, habitat, and many other factors. Water is found in different forms across the globe: fresh or salty, long and narrow or wide and round, and partially or fully surrounded by land. An ocean is a large water body containing salt that surrounds a continent.

A river is a large flowing water body that ends up in an ocean whereas a lake is a large water body surrounded by land from all sides. Some major differences between oceans, rivers, and lakes should be noted. In this article, we will understand what an ocean is, what a river is, and what a lake is and their differences.

Table of Content

  • What is an Ocean?
  • What is a River?
  • What is a Lake?
  • Difference Between Ocean, Rivers, and Lakes
  • Conclusion: Difference Between Ocean, Rivers and Lakes
  • FAQs on Difference Between Ocean, Rivers and Lakes

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What is an Ocean?

An ocean is a huge body of salt water that surrounds the whole of a continent. Presently, the ocean covers more than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. The oceans are larger and deeper than the sea. An important point is that the movement of currents in the oceans affects the weather in the whole world. There are five oceans in the world namely:...

What is a River?

A river is a natural stream of free-flowing water. It can originate from a glacier that is melting or from a melting snow or a lake. The Nile River in Africa and the Amazon River in South America are the two largest rivers. The strong flow of a river can even form a delta whose famous example is the Sunderban delta. The reason for its formation was weathering and erosion....

What is a Lake?

A large water body of stagnant water within an area is defined as a lake. It can be either natural such as formed by glaciers, or man-made, such as reservoirs. The size of lakes differ greatly in size and depth. The physical characteristics of a lake are affected by wind, light, and temperature. Lakes are abundant in nitrogen and phosphorus allowing the growth of nutrient-rich plants in them. Many different species of plants and aquatic animals are found in it....

Difference Between Ocean, Rivers, and Lakes

Following are some important differences between river and sea and ocean:...

Conclusion: Difference Between Ocean, Rivers, and Lakes

It can be concluded that there are major differences between oceans, rivers, and lakes. Oceans are the largest water bodies on Earth. They are the endpoints of all the other small water bodies. Rivers are the flowing water bodies whereas lakes are stagnant or still water bodies. There are many different types of water bodies apart from the ones discussed above. There are some basic differences among these water bodies that are based on whether the water is salty or fresh, or the depth of the waterbody is more or less, etc. Thus, based on these points any waterbody can be categorized easily....

FAQs on Difference Between Ocean, Rivers and Lakes

Is there any Difference between a Oceanwater and a Riverwater?...