DRAINAGE SYSTEMS OF ETHIOPIA

• Definition

  Drainage systems refer to the flow direction and destination of the rivers.
• The drainage patterns and systems of Ethiopia are the results of various structural events that took place in the Cenozoic era.
• The drainage systems of Ethiopia are basically classified into three major groups

  i. The Western (Mediterranean) sea drainage system

  ii. The Southeastern (Indian Ocean) drainage system

  iii. The Inland (Rift Valley) drainage system
• i. The Western (Mediterranean Sea) Drainage System


  The western drainage system is the largest of the three systems both in terms of catchment area and volume of water.
• The Western (Mediterranean Sea) Drainage System


  It contributes 60% of the country’s total annual water discharge.
• The Western Drainage System is made up of


  River Tekezze, River Abbay and River Baro-Akobo
• These rivers joining the Nile in the Sudan and finally end up in the Mediterranean Sea.(The Western Drainage System)
• ii. The Southeastern (Indian Ocean) Drainage System


  This system is the second largest drainage system. It consists of the Genalle and Wabe Shebelle. It contributes about 32% of the country’s total annual water flow.
• The Southeastern Drainage System
rivers


  These rivers collect waters from the highlands of Hararghe, Sidamo, Bale and Arsi. This drainage system flows southeast, across the Somali arid and semi - arid areas
• Wabe Shebelle


  The longest river in the country, does not reach the Indian Ocean. It ends at the Benadir coast of Somalia.
• Wabe Shebell


  it acquires the name Juba.
• iii. The Inland (Rift Valley) Drainage System


  This system is the smallest of the three systems in terms of catchment area, discharge of water and volume of water.
• The major rivers in this drainage system are the Awash and the Omo-Gibe
• The Awash River basin is the most utilized in the Rift Valley.