Author Question: What was the source of the CO2 that suffocated 1700 people in Cameroon, West Africa, in 1986? What ... (Read 107 times)

urbanoutfitters · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

What was the source of the CO2 that suffocated 1700 people in Cameroon, West Africa, in 1986? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Based upon the lava flow hazards map issued by the U.S. Geological Survey, where would you be
least likely to be affected by a lava flow on the island of Hawaii? Why is this? What will be an ideal response?

quynhmickitran · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The CO2 originated from Lake Nyos, where the deeper levels of the lake were highly charged with
CO2. This gas was kept in solution by the pressure of the overlying water. Something, as yet unknown,
disturbed the water column, so the CO2-charged water was shifted nearer to the surface. The resulting
reduction of confining pressure permitted the gas to spontaneously come out of solution as bubbles, in
much the same way that bubbles occur in a carbonated soft drink when it is first opened.

Answer to Question 2

Lava flows are least likely to affect the northern end of the island. The youngest and most active
volcanoes are located in the southern part of the island.