An artificial lake is a man-made body of water created for various purposes, such as irrigation, recreation, or hydroelectric power generation. These lakes are often formed by constructing a dam across a river or by excavating land to hold water. They can vary in size and depth, depending on their intended use and the landscape. Artificial lakes can also provide habitats for wildlife and help manage water resources in areas prone to drought. Examples include the Hoover Dam, which created Lake Mead, and the Three Gorges Dam, which formed the Three Gorges Reservoir on the Yangtze River.