Lakes are some of the most scenic and serene natural water reservoirs. We had most of the information about lakes until 1984. In 1984, Lake Monoun resulted in the death of 37 people, while Lake Nyos took the lives of 1700 people in 1986. The latter incident served as a wake-up call for the entire world regarding one of the rarest yet most lethal natural calamities—Limnic Eruption. So, let’s explore more about this phenomenon and take a look at two of the only ever recorded Limnic Eruptions in human history.
More About Limnic Eruption
Water bodies are full of dissolved gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and inert gases. In some cases, there are lakes where the gases (taking carbon dioxide as an example since it gets released during limnic eruption) from underground volcanoes are released at the bottom from the cracks or crevices.
Furthermore, the majority of the time, the dissolved gases reach the surface and escape. However, areas with little to no change in the climate can lead to an increase in carbon dioxide from the volcano.
Over time, this level can lead to dangerous points, where a small change in temperature or, earthquake can cause it to come out of the surface. On top of that, the released gas, which is very dense, gets spread in the area and can wreak havoc in the region. Every living organism that inhales such a high level of carbon dioxide suffocates to death.
The Chemistry and Physics Behind Limnic Eruption
In the lake’s deep waters, the water pressure is very high. And the majority of gases are present in the soluble form. As discussed earlier, carbon dioxide coming from volcanic activity accumulated to high levels over time. As a result, a slight temperature change can disrupt the stratification of the dense carbon dioxide layer from the bottom to the top. It is analogous to the opening of a soda after shaking the whole bottle.
There are many theories for the two limnic eruptions that are recorded in human history. And all of them are pointing towards a trigger mechanism that causes the catastrophic event.
Here are the ones that might have triggered the ones at Lake Monoun and Lake Nyos.
- Landslides.
- Earthquake.
- Temperature changes.
Deadly Limnic Eruptions
Before 1984, few experts were aware of the dangers of carbon dioxide in lakes. When the first incident happened in Lake Monoun, scientists started to dive into the situation. However, no one was quick enough to spot, predict, or prevent the tragedy that was Lake Nyos.
Lake Monoun (1984)
- Smaller but deadly: killed 37 people.
- First documented limnic eruption.
Lake Nyos (1986)
- CO₂ release killed ~1,700 people and thousands of animals.
- Describe the event timeline and impact.
Both incidents had a significant negative impact on the nearby communities. Moreover, it revealed an entire study niche for ecologists and the global scientific community to prevent something similar in the future.
Only Certain Lakes at Risk?
For a Limnic Eruption, the lake has to meet several criteria. Not all lakes fall within those parameters, which creates favourable conditions for eruptions. Moreover, for a lake to emit carbon dioxide, it needs to have high geothermal activity. This results in stratified lakes, which are mostly found in the African Rift Valley and some parts of Southeast Asia.
- High CO₂ input.
- Little lake turnover.
- Stable layers.
Slow and Silent Danger of Carbon Dioxide Accumulation
The process of carbon dioxide accumulation takes time, but it’s inevitable. It may take years to build, and the most terrifying part is our inability to detect it, especially with our human senses. One more thing that makes the danger of dissolved carbon dioxide in water is its high density.
So, whenever it gets out of the water or reaches the surface, the circumstances are lethal for any living being nearby. That’s why it’s very important to have consistent monitoring of such lakes (Lake Kivu).
What Happens After a Limnic Eruption?
The aftermath of a limnic eruption is deadly for organisms living in the vicinity of the area. First of all, all the microorganisms die of asphyxiation, which is usually undetected by normal senses. This is the reason that over 1700 people died overnight after the disaster of Lake Nyos.
In addition to asphyxiation, there are long-term impacts on the environment and ecological systems. Last but not least, communities of survivors need to abandon their homes and find places without their loved ones.
Scientific Monitoring and Prevention
After the tragedy of Lake Nyos, scientists and the local government began monitoring other lakes for limnic activities. One such case is Lake Kivu, which is 3000 times the size of Lake Nyos and has similar geothermal activity. It poses threats to hundreds of thousands of people in the region. And because of this, the authorities are consistently monitoring the lake with concentration sensors.
Along with the detection methodologies, the government of Congo has also installed degassing tubes and siphoning technology, which help in reducing the carbon dioxide levels at the bottom of the lake. Finally, there have been awareness drives in the region so that people are more familiar with the possibility of disaster and the measures for their safety.
Climate Change and Future Risks
Even though Lake Kivu is big and stable at present, a small seismic activity can change everything. The increase or decrease in rainfall, as well as temperature changes in the climate, can also trigger limnic eruptions on a scale that is horrifying and unfathomable. Thus, there is significant importance in promoting research regarding Lake Kivu in the region.
Lessons from the Two Recorded Limnic Eruptions
The most important takeaway from a limnic eruption is its deadly and stealthy nature. Also, how little scientists know about the uncertainty of the environment in which we live. Moreover, such disasters are unique and anonymous that authorities often try to hide the truth from the public.
That’s why it is necessary to have objective coverage about disasters like limnic eruptions so that communities are protected in developing countries.
Final Thoughts On Limnic Eruption
Limnic eruptions, which are rare but lethal natural calamities, are caused by the release of dissolved gases from underground volcanoes at the bottom of lakes. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, can accumulate to dangerous levels where even a small temperature change or earthquake can cause the gas to come out of the surface.
Theories for these events include landslides, earthquakes, and temperature changes. The two recorded limnic eruptions in 1984 and 1986 highlighted the need for consistent monitoring and prevention of such events.
Limnic eruptions are deadly for organisms living in the vicinity, causing asphyxiation and long-term impacts on the environment and ecological systems. After Lake Nyos, scientists and local governments have started monitoring Lake Kivu, a 3000 times larger lake with similar geothermal activity, to reduce carbon dioxide levels.
Finally, climate change and future risks are also significant, and objective coverage of disasters like limnic eruptions is crucial for protecting communities in developing countries.
FAQs
How to survive a limnic eruption?
The best chance for human survival is to reach a high altitude area. It’s because C02 is much denser than O2 and stays very close to the Earth’s surface.
How to prepare for a limnic eruption?
Authorities or the government need to invest in studies of lakes around volcanoes. These investments can provide insights into the lake’s activity and allow for genuine preparation methods.
When was the last limnic eruption?
The last limnic eruption took place on August 21, 1986, in Lake Nyos and took the lives of over 1700 people.
Do limnic eruptions occur in India?
In India, there are no active volcanoes near any lake that can result in a limnic eruption.
How can a limnic eruption be prevented?
Degassing of a lake using a long tube is a method to prevent limnic eruption. However, it’s not very efficient when it comes to large lakes like Kivu.
Who studies limnic eruptions?
Many scientists, marine biologists, geologists, and environmentalists study the nature of limnic eruptions for better prevention.
What caused Lake Nyos to explode?
The cause of the Lake Nyos explosion remains speculative. It could be a landslide, earthquake, or even temperature changes that resulted in the catastrophe.
Has a limnic eruption ever happened?
The two ever recorded limnic eruptions are Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun.