Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Dissolved volcanic carbon dioxide accumulated in deep waters in Lake Nyos in Cameroon.
One cold night in 1986 a build-up of dense, cold water at the surface suddenly sank, bring-
ing gas-rich water to the surface and releasing the pressure on it. It was like opening a well-
shaken bottle of soda, leading to a sudden release of the gas, which, being heavier than air,
swept down a valley and suffocated 1,700 people as they slept in their villages.
Volcanic forces may be unstoppable, but with prudent planning and careful monitoring,
people can learn to live with them in comparative safety.
