Visiting the Lake of Death Nyos in Cameroon is difficult to attract tourists because of the large amount of carbon dioxide here. The precursor of this lake is a crater located deep in the ground, so its danger level is very great.
Can Tourists Visit Lake Nyos?
Can tourists visit Lake Nyos? Yes, it is possible. However, it is also necessary to limit visiting. It is a crater lake in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, located 315 kilometers north of the capital, Yaounde. It is deep and covered by rocky cliffs. The water of Lake Nyos is impounded by a volcanic dam. The area around Lake Nyos receives 2.5 meters of rain annually.
The lake is famous for its deadly gas cloud that can put out a fire. The cloud is composed of carbon dioxide, a gas heavier than air. This means that if the lake is overcharged with carbon dioxide, it will displace oxygen in the air. The suffocating gas is toxic to people and animals. It’s still not clear what caused this disaster, but scientists believe that carbon dioxide is a primary factor in the deadly eruption.
The first time Lake Nyos was contaminated, scientists converged. They assumed a long-dormant volcano had erupted, but the scientists found a monstrous geologic disaster. Since then, scientists have returned to the area in hopes of preventing a repeat disaster. These efforts have yielded promising results. In the meantime, low-tech methods may still be the best way to keep the lake safe.
The lake has been a source of myth for the local people for centuries. Many legends attribute death to the lake. The lake is the source of life and death, so the lake has a special place in Cameroonian culture. As a result, certain ethnic groups have decreed that houses built near lakes be elevated. These groups are known as Bafmen. If you are wondering, Can tourists visit lake Nyos? and why not?
The lake is 80 percent degassed, which makes it much safer for visitors than it was in 1986. Still, the lake is very dangerous, and a large enough input of energy could cause a re-eruption. Scientists have installed degassing tubes at the lake’s base, but the lake is still dangerous. Therefore, it is important to visit Nyos only if you have a deep understanding of the risks it poses.
Source: https://www.powerpacplus.org/visiting-deadly-lake-nyos-in-cameroon/
Comments
Post a Comment