Geography of the Rift Valley in Ethiopia

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What are some economic activities associated with the Main Ethiopian Rift/Central Rift region?

Salt extraction, irrigation, rain-fed agriculture

What are the boundaries of the Main Ethiopian Rift/Central Rift?

Western and eastern escarpments

Name some of the volcanic mountains in the Main Ethiopian Rift/Central Rift region.

Mount Fentale, Boseti-guda, Aletu, Chebi

What is the average width of the Main Ethiopian Rift/Central Rift?

50-80 kilometers Signup and view all the answers

What separates the Chew Bahir Rift from the Main Ethiopian Rift to the north?

Gneissic highlands of Konso and surrounding highlands Signup and view all the answers

How does the highly dissected nature of the landscape impact internal surface transportation in Ethiopia?

It acts as a barrier to development and results in long-term isolation of communities. Signup and view all the answers

What factors in Ethiopia contribute to a high potential for the production of hydroelectric power?

Great difference in altitude and high rainfall. Signup and view all the answers

What are some resource bases of the Main Ethiopian Rift/Central Rift region?

Recreational value of lakes, agricultural importance of streams and lakes, geothermal energy potential Signup and view all the answers

How has the rugged terrain in Ethiopia influenced socio-cultural aspects?

It resulted in long-term isolation of communities and cultural diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the climate of Ethiopia have due to its tropical position and altitudinal variation?

Highlands tend to be moisture surplus compared to moisture deficit lowlands. Signup and view all the answers

How do steep mountain slopes in Ethiopia affect soil development?

They provide low angle of rest, unstable surface materials, and lead to shallow, little developed soils. Signup and view all the answers

How does the general topography of Ethiopia impact the navigability of rivers?

Rivers are less navigable due to waterfalls, deep gorges, and steep cliffs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the altitude range of the floor of the Rift Valley?

125 meters below sea level at Dallol Depression to 2,000 meters above sea level in the Lakes region Signup and view all the answers

Describe the physiographic sub-regions of the Rift Valley.

The Rift Valley is subdivided into the Afar Triangle, the Main Ethiopian Rift, and the Chew Bahir Rift. Signup and view all the answers

What makes the Afar Triangle a hostile environment?

The Afar Triangle is characterized by faulted depressions (grabens), volcanic hills, active volcanoes, volcanic ridges, lava fields, and low lava platforms. It has maximum temperatures that can exceed 50°C during the summer wet season. Signup and view all the answers

What prominent feature is found in the Denakil Depression?

A larger part of the Denakil Depression is covered by thick and extensive salt plains. Lakes Asale and Afrera occupy the lowest parts of this sunken depression. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the lakes that occupy basins in the Afar Triangle?

Lakes Abe, Asale, and Afrera occupy some of the basins in the Afar Triangle. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the volcanic features found in the Rift Valley?

The Rift Valley is characterized by volcanic hills, active volcanoes, volcanic ridges, and lava fields. Signup and view all the answers