Which type of lakes are considered more common globally?

The classification of lakes based on size reveals that small lakes are more prevalent globally than other types. Small lakes often encompass a significant portion of the total number of lakes, particularly in regions that are conducive to their formation, such as areas with variable topography and diverse hydrological conditions.

In many countries, small lakes are more numerous due to their capacity to form in various landscapes and ecosystems. They play a crucial role in local environments, providing habitats for wildlife, facilitating sediment retention, and contributing to the hydrological cycle. In contrast, very large lakes, though significant in volume and surface area, are relatively few in number compared to the small lakes that dot the landscape.

Artificial lakes, while impactful, are typically created for specific purposes, such as water storage, recreation, or irrigation, and thus do not match the natural occurrence of small lakes. Saltwater lakes are less common compared to freshwater lakes and account for a minor fraction of the total number of lakes worldwide. Overall, the high frequency and prevalence of small lakes make them the most common type globally.