The lake is the ultimate destination of the Awash River, which is at the center of the Afar Triangle.

[4] It is also known as an "amplifier lake", the water level fluctuating dramatically in response to quite small changes in climate.

Lake Abbe is known for its limestone chimneys, which reach heights of 50 m (160 ft) and from which steam spews forth.

[6] These carbonate chimneys are formed by the mixing of lake water and a deeper geothermal fluid.

[9] The Lake Abbe's climate offers year-round sunny skies and dry air.