What is the difference between a lake and a pond? Lakes are usually smaller and shallower than ponds. Lakes are usually devoid of life while ponds have many organisms living in it. Lakes are usually larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes carry water and sediments toward the ocean while ponds are standing water. Question 90 What are coral reefs? a large underwater formation created from the calcium carbonate skeletons of coral animals a reef found on the top of a mountain Question 91 What are estuaries?