Characteristics of Basin Morphology of Lakes in Japan

Abstract

Relative depth-area curves of lakes in Japan have been constructed based on published maps. Their characteristics are discussed. The depth-area curve of many lakes in Japan is concave due to the general landform characteristics, i. e., a combination of steep mountain slopes including volcanoes and flat fluvial plains with thick deposits. The curve for several continental lakes has been also constructed, where convexity is dominant. It may be said that the depth-area curve of lakes in Japan is rather unique. S_0.5, denoting the relative area at relative depth of 50%, is found to be a good index to describe the depth-area curve.