Cryptodepression


A cryptodepression is a depression in the Earth's surface that is below mean sea level, and which is filled by a lake. The term is derived from the Ancient Greek word κρύπτoς and depression.

Description

A cryptodepression is often due to creation of a rift valley or a glacial lake.
Lakes are often long and narrow. Further, the surrounding landscape and the shore of the lake can be very steep.

Examples

Simple calculation example:
Lago O'Higgins/San Martín
Surface elevation 250 m -
Maximal depth 836 m =
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Cryptodepression -586 m