Lakes of Ethiopia

By African standard, Ethiopia is a country rich in lakes.
They are found dispersed on the plateaus and clustered in the Rift Valley.
Most of the lakes are the result of structures that occurred during the Quaternary Period; i.e., they are not outcomes of climate.
This fact is proved by the location of these lakes in the drier parts of the country.
The natural lakes found in Ethiopia can be classified into highland and Rift Valley lakes.

Highland Lakes

Lakes in Ethiopia are formed through various structural formations, such as crater lakes and watershed lakes.
Crater lakes are formed when an explosive volcano breaks a mountain open, leaving a deep mouth filled with water from small streams or subterranean sources.
Highland crater lakes in Ethiopia include Haik near Dessie and Hashenge near Korum.
Watershed lakes, on the other hand, are formed when lava dams up a shallow surface depression, as seen in Lake Tana during the Quaternary Period.

Rift Valley Lakes

Unlike the highland lakes, the Rift Valley lakes are clustered.
The Rift Valley lakes are formed in the depressions and basins caused by tectonic activities.
They are found in a linear pattern along the floor of the Rift Valley

Important of Ethiopian Lakes and Rivers

Hydroelectric Power (H.E.P.) Generation
Fishery
Major Irrigation Schemes
Navigation
Tourism and Recreation