Explain why the surface of a lake freezes first ?

Q: Explain why the surface of a lake freezes first ?

Sol: Lakes first freezes on the surface because water has the maximum density at 4 °C and the dense part sinks to the bottom . So the water at the bottom of the lake remains at 4 °C and that on the top is at 0 °C , where it freezes by losing heat to the environment .