In measuring the average depth of a pond, what should be included?

Measuring the average depth of a pond requires collecting depth data from multiple points throughout the pond rather than relying on a single depth measurement. By taking depth readings from various locations, one can better represent the overall depth of the pond, capturing variations that may exist across different areas. This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the pond's morphology and aquatic habitat than solely measuring at the center or focusing on perimeter or surface area metrics. These measures may contribute to overall assessments of the pond's characteristics, but they do not reflect its average depth accurately.