The difference is actually a result of the the depth. Ponds, according to limnology (the study of water bodies) are shallow enough where plants could conceivably grow across the entire surface. ... As a result, there are some very small bodies of water, less than an acre that are deep enough to be called lakes. Both are small bodies of water, either natural or man-made, that are completely surrounded by land. The primary difference between the two is their size. Simply put, lakes are larger and ponds are smaller. However, there is no standardization of lake sizes.
