Is Lake Nios in danger?

1990/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna
• Fisika

A cloud of carbon oxide (IV) released to Lake Nios in Cameroon four years ago killed 1,700 people and 3,000 livestock heads in 1986.

According to the study carried out by American researchers, the tragedy can be repeated at any time. Lake Nios water acts as a carbon oxide trap (IV), that is, it has the same role as the cover in a bottle of soda. However, if any force (earthquake, wind storm or terror) affects the water, as if the bottle of soda is shaken, carbon dioxide can be released abruptly.

Since carbon oxide (IV) is heavier than air, it accumulates on the terrestrial surface and chokes people and animals.