Lake Nyos | lake, Cameroon (2024)

In volcano: Gas clouds

At Lake Nyos, a crater lake in Cameroon, West Africa, more than 1,700 people were killed by a sudden release of carbon dioxide in August 1986. Scientists theorize that carbon dioxide of volcanic origin had been seeping into the lake, perhaps for centuries, and had accumulated…

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  • Lake Nyos | lake, Cameroon (1)

    In Lake Nyos disaster

    …release of carbon dioxide from Lake Nyos in Cameroon on August 21, 1986. The disaster killed between 1,700 and 1,800 people.

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Scientists theorize that carbon dioxide of volcanic origin had been seeping into the lake, perhaps for centuries, and had accumulated…","publisher":{"name":"Encyclopedia Britannica","@type":"Organization","logo":{"url":"https://corporate.britannica.com/wp-content/themes/eb-corporate/_img/logo.png","@type":"ImageObject"}},"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"article"},"studentArticle":false,"showHeader":true,"initialLoad":true,"comingFromSameArticle":false}

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    lake, Cameroon

    Learn about this topic in these articles:

    1986 disaster

    • Lake Nyos | lake, Cameroon (9)

      In volcano: Gas clouds

      At Lake Nyos, a crater lake in Cameroon, West Africa, more than 1,700 people were killed by a sudden release of carbon dioxide in August 1986. Scientists theorize that carbon dioxide of volcanic origin had been seeping into the lake, perhaps for centuries, and had accumulated…

      Read More
    • Lake Nyos | lake, Cameroon (10)

      In Lake Nyos disaster

      …release of carbon dioxide from Lake Nyos in Cameroon on August 21, 1986. The disaster killed between 1,700 and 1,800 people.

      Read More
    Lake Nyos | lake, Cameroon (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the solution to Lake Nyos? ›

    A degassing system has since been installed at the lake, with the aim of reducing the concentration of CO 2 in the waters and therefore the risk of further eruptions.

    What happened in Lake Nyos in Cameroon? ›

    Abstract. Carbon dioxide was blamed for the deaths of around 1700 people in Cameroon, west Africa, in 1986 when a massive release of gas occurred from Lake Nyos, a volcanic crater lake. The clinical findings in 845 survivors seen at or admitted to hospital were compatible with exposure to an asphyxiant gas.

    What is the theory of Lake Nyos? ›

    In the case of Lake Nyos, the continuous release of carbon dioxide at the bottom of the lake increases the value of the buoyancy reversal parameter until it reaches its critical value, at which point an explosion occurs. This instability provides a plausible trigger for the 1986 explosion.

    Will Lake Nyos erupt again? ›

    "The lake is safer today than it was in 2000, but it is still hazardous." A big enough input of energy, like a large earthquake or a landslide, could cause the lake to erupt, he says. Another problem is Nyos' weak wall. "That natural dam could rupture any day," says Evans.

    Why did Lake Nyos turn red? ›

    The normally blue waters of the lake turned a deep red after the outgassing, due to iron-rich water from the deep rising to the surface and being oxidised by the air. The level of the lake dropped by about a metre and trees near the lake were knocked down.

    What caused the 1977 Lake Nyos disaster in Cameroon? ›

    A landslide into the lake may have caused the gas to be released from the cooler depths of the lake; a volcanic eruption under the lake or even a minor earthquake might also have been the cause.

    How many survived Lake Nyos? ›

    According to the United Nations, 1,746 people died. At least 300 people ended up in the hospital, 3,000 people were displaced, and 3,500 head of cattle were killed. In the town of Nyos itself, there were only four survivors.

    What caused CO2 to build up in Lake Nyos? ›

    Degassing of Lake Nyos. The source of the CO2 was debated within the scientific community for many years, however scientists eventually agreed that the source was nearby volcanic activity. The CO2 from this was dissolved into groundwater and slowly transferred into the lake, increasing its CO2 concentration over time.

    Can you visit Lake Nyos? ›

    Lake Nyos is a crater lake located in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. The lake is known for its deep blue color and stunning scenery. A limnic eruption is a unique natural phenomenon that occurs in Lake Nyos. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to February.

    Are there fish in Lake Nyos? ›

    Following initial degassing, fish were reintroduced to Lake Nyos in 1996, Further degassing has taken place at Lake Monoun and Lake Nyos, and no significant events have occurred at either since the explosions of the 1980s. others, Fid Backhouse and. "Lake Nyos disaster".

    How did the gas get into Lake Nyos? ›

    Carbon dioxide from that magma slowly percolates through Earth's crust with the groundwater and accumulates in the bottom of the lake. Eventually the gas becomes too concentrated and a bubble of CO2 bursts from the lake. The natural-color image above shows Lake Nyos as it appeared on December 18, 2014.

    What caused the rust color of Lake Nyos? ›

    Before the 'eruption', Lake Nyos was beautiful and blue. After the 'eruption' with the lake water being saturated with carbon dioxide, Lake Nyos was a murky brown color.

    What precautions did scientists put in place to try and prevent another disaster like Lake Nyos? ›

    The unpredictable and dangerous nature of the lake led scientists from around the world to propose solutions that would prevent another carbon dioxide eruption. In 2001, French scientists installed a degassing instrument—mostly a pipe and fountain that allows gas to escape at a consistent rate.

    How does Boyle's law apply to Lake Nyos? ›

    Boyle's gas law says that pressure and volume are inversely different. This is related to one of the supposed caused of the explosion, a landslide. The landslide could have displaced the volume of the lake, causing a massive change in pressure. This change in pressure would lead to the release of carbon dioxide.

    What clue helps us determine that the people of lower Nyos died of asphyxiation? ›

    What clue helps us determine that the people of Lower Nyos died of asphyxiation? ➢ The bodies of those that died were generally devoid of trauma. The victims were blue-lipped, suggesting asphyxiation.

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