A Depression Containing CO2-Enriched Water at the Bottom of Lake Monoun, Cameroon, and Implications for the 1984 Limnic Eruption

In 1984, a limnic eruption occurred in Lake Monoun, Cameroon, and the CO 2 gas released from lake surface resulted casualties neighboring communities. Subsequent scientific research revealed that was of magmatic origin dissolved water; however, mechanism remains unclear. this study, we analyzed detail lake-bottom bathymetry eastern basin, i.e., one three basins to understand 1984 eruption. We discovered two significant depressions at bottom near scarp obtained vertical profiles several parameters water depression locations. The northeastern (D1) ∼ 1.2 m deeper than contained with higher temperature electrical conductivity lower pH relative water. Conversely, southern (D2) 2.2 bottom, there were no anomalies regarding its parameters. Although warm discharged D1 not saturated , bubbles likely existed D1, influenced by partial pressure CH 4 Our results suggest just before eruption, containing high concentrations D1; would have reached bubbles. According earlier numerical simulations rising could induced entrained surrounding which amplified flow rate degassing above displaced on shore. It is estimated impact eroded deposited sediment as mound D1. A similar also exists D2, suggesting D2 trace another 1984. Of make up smaller west their deep waters. This supplied but remnant 2003 start artificial degassing. Monoun may experienced eruptions past. If continued, will increase concentration water, cause future, flux exceed removed degassing, potentially increasing amount accumulated regular monitoring should be continued.