Final answer:
Ephemeral lakes, also known as temporary lakes or vernal pools, form in low-lying areas after significant rainfall, when runoff collects in these depressions. They are short-lived and may not support a diverse range of aquatic life due to their temporary nature. These lakes are important for certain ecological processes and can indicate changes in local groundwater levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Empty lakes that fill up for a short time after rainfall are known as ephemeral lakes, or sometimes referred to as temporary lakes or vernal pools. These water bodies are characterized by their transient nature, appearing after substantial rainfall and disappearing again during dry periods. They typically form in depressions where water can collect, and due to the temporary availability of water, they may not support the same variety of aquatic life that permanent lakes do. Ephemeral lakes are important in various ecological and geological processes, such as providing wetland habitats for certain species during their presence.
Runoff from precipitation is a key factor in the formation of these temporary lakes. During periods of runoff, water flows over land, collects in low-lying areas, and can lead to the creation of these ephemeral bodies of water. The cycle of these lakes filling and drying up can also have impacts on the local groundwater levels and the types of vegetation that can thrive in these areas.
Lakes, in general, can form through various mechanisms such as glaciation, tectonic activity, and volcanic eruptions. Climate changes have been known to drastically alter the sizes of lakes, as evidenced by the transformation of the Great Salt Lake from the much larger Lake Bonneville due to changes from a cool and moist climate to a warm and arid one after the Ice Age.