Abstract
The spatial and temporal variations in the level of Lake Abiyata and controlling natural and manmade factors are presented. This study has been made by combining evidence from hydrometeorological and lake level records, water budget analyses, aerial photograph and satellite imagery interpretations, and numerical groundwater flow modelling. The most important components of the water balance of the lake are precipitation, river inflow and evaporation. The lake level has been fluctuating considerably over a wide range (by 6 m during the last 60 years) strongly controlled by the precipitation trends in the adjacent highlands. Climatic changes and consequent reduction in the surface water inputs have resulted in the reduction of its size. Recent abstraction of water for irrigation and soda ash production have drastically changed both the lake level and its hydrochemistry. This change appears to have grave environmental consequences on the fragile rift lacustrine ecosystem.
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