Lake Oku
North-West
Lake Nyos is a deep crater lake located in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, formed within an explosion crater called a maar in the Oku Volcanic Field. The lake is notable for its saturation with carbon dioxide gas, a rare phenomenon shared by only two other lakes worldwide. A magma chamber beneath the lake continuously releases CO2, which dissolves in the deep, cold waters, creating a risk of limnic eruptions. In 1986, a sudden release of CO2 from the lake caused a deadly disaster, suffocating over 1,700 people and thousands of livestock in nearby villages, leading to the abandonment of some settlements. To mitigate this risk, degassing tubes were installed to safely release gas and prevent future eruptions. The lake is impounded by a natural volcanic rock dam, which is currently considered to be weakening, posing additional risks to downstream communities. Lake Nyos lies within a geologically active volcanic zone, surrounded by old lava flows and pyroclastic deposits, offering a unique natural and geological environment.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their trip during the dry season for easier access and better weather conditions. It is advisable to arrange guided tours with local experts familiar with the volcanic terrain and safety protocols. Although the lake has restricted access due to safety concerns, visitors can learn about the site's history and geology at nearby visitor centers. Advance booking for tours is recommended, and visitors should heed all safety warnings related to the lake's volcanic activity.
Zajímavosti
- •Lake Nyos is one of only three known lakes worldwide saturated with carbon dioxide gas.
- •The 1986 limnic eruption at Lake Nyos caused the suffocation of approximately 1,746 people and 3,500 livestock.
- •Degassing tubes installed in 2001 and 2011 help safely release carbon dioxide from the lake to prevent future eruptions.
- •The lake is impounded by a natural volcanic rock dam that is currently weakening and poses a risk of collapse.
- •Lake Nyos lies within the Oku Volcanic Field, part of the Cameroon Volcanic Line, a zone of volcanic and tectonic activity.
Historie
Lake Nyos formed approximately 12,000 years ago as a volcanic explosion crater in the Oku Volcanic Field.
The region has a long history of volcanic activity linked to the Cameroon Volcanic Line, a tectonic fault zone.
In 1986, the lake experienced a catastrophic limnic eruption triggered possibly by a landslide, releasing a large cloud of carbon dioxide that caused mass fatalities.
Following this event, technology was developed to degas the lake, with tubes installed starting in 2001 and additional ones in 2011 to prevent recurrence.
The natural dam holding the lake is currently weakening, raising concerns about potential future hazards.