Cryptodepression

Prealpine lakes in Northern Italy by elevation (surface and deepest point elevation). Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Como and Lake Garda are cryptodepressions.
Cross-section diagram of the Italian lakes cryptodepressions

A cryptodepression is a depression in the Earth's surface that is below mean sea level, and which is filled by a lake.[1][2] The term is derived from the Ancient Greek word κρύπτoς ("hidden") and depression.

  1. ^ Fairbridge, R. W. (1968), "Cryptodepressions", in Fairbridge, R.W. (ed.), Geomorphology, Encyclopedia of Earth Science, Encyclopedia of Earth Science, vol. Geomorphology, Berlin: Springer, pp. 231–233, doi:10.1007/3-540-31060-6_78, ISBN 978-0-442-00939-7
  2. ^ Neuendorf, K.K.E.; Mehl, Jr., J.P.; Jackson, J.A. (2005). Glossary of Geology (5th edition). Alexandria, Virginia: American Geological Institute. p. 155.