Write three types of Ethiopian drainage system
1) The Ethiopian Rift Valley drainage system: This type of drainage system occurs in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, which is a series of interconnected valleys and basins created by tectonic activity. The drainage pattern in this system is often dendritic, with rivers and streams flowing in multiple directions and merging into larger rivers as they descend into the valleys.
2) The Blue Nile drainage system: The Blue Nile is one of the major tributaries of the Nile River and has its source in the Ethiopian Highlands. The drainage system in this region is characterized by steep and rugged slopes, with numerous smaller streams and rivers flowing into the Blue Nile. This type of drainage system is known for its high erosion potential, resulting in the formation of deep gorges and canyons.
3) The Awash River drainage system: The Awash River is one of the longest rivers in Ethiopia and drains into the northeastern part of the country. The drainage system in this region is primarily controlled by the Awash River and its tributaries. It is characterized by a dendritic pattern, with numerous smaller tributaries flowing into the main river. The Awash River is an important river for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian drainage system can be categorized into three types:
1. Endorheic Basins: These are closed drainage basins where rivers drain into inland lakes or disappear underground without reaching the ocean. The Awash River Basin is an example of such a system. It has no outlet to the sea and ends in the saline Lake Abbe on the border with Djibouti.
2. Exorheic Basins: These are drainage basins where rivers flow out of the country and eventually reach the ocean. The Blue Nile Basin is a prominent example in Ethiopia. The Blue Nile originates in the Ethiopian highlands, travels through Sudan, and merges with the White Nile in Sudan before flowing into the Mediterranean Sea through Egypt.
3. Interior Drainage Basins: These are drainage systems where rivers flow into internal basins and form closed drainage networks within the country. The Omo-Gibe Basin is an example of an interior drainage basin in Ethiopia. The Omo and Gibe rivers converge to form Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, both located within the country's borders.
These three types of drainage systems in Ethiopia showcase the diverse geographical features and waterways found in the country.