LAKE NYOS GAS DISASTER, CAMEROON, WEST AFRICA

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On August 21, 1986 Lake Nyos in Cameroon erupted a cloud of carbon dioxide gas which killed over 1,700 people. Immediately thereafter scientific teams from several countries including the U.S. visited the scene to assist the Cameroon government in determining the scientific causes for this disaster. At that time, the American team took baseline measurements of Lake Nyos and some other lakes in the area, collected samples and learned as much as they could about the general geology. At present, however, it is not clear whether the carbon dioxide resided in the lake for some time or simply passed through on its way from a volcanic source; the mechanism of eruption is not yet clear. In order to fully understand these issues, measurements over time are necessary and this award will allow members of the American team to take additional measurements in the Spring of 1987. John Lockwood, the co-leader of the American team will spend an additional two weeks in the field following a meeting called by the Cameroon government in March, to which his way will be paid. George Kling and William Evans will go to Cameroon a month later to do follow- up measurements on Lake Nyos and several similar volcanic lakes.