Horizon Season 2002 Episode 11 Killer Lakes

Horizon season 2002 episode 11, titled "Killer Lakes," explores the deadly phenomenon of limnic eruptions. These eruptions occur in lakes that have high concentrations of carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels, causing the water to become lethally toxic to any animal or human that comes in contact with it. The episode follows scientists as they investigate these deadly lakes and try to uncover what triggers these deadly events.

The episode begins by introducing limnic eruptions and how they occur. Scientists explain that when a lake develops a layer of carbon dioxide gas at the bottom, it can become deadly if the gas is suddenly released, causing the water to turn into a lethal brew of carbonic acid. The episode takes viewers to several sites around the world where these limnic eruptions have occurred, including Lake Nyos in Cameroon, which experienced a catastrophic eruption in 1986 that killed nearly 1,800 people and over 3,000 livestock. Scientists speak about how these eruptions can happen suddenly and without warning, and they discuss the various theories about what triggers them.

The show then goes on to follow scientists who are trying to monitor these lakes and prevent future limnic eruptions. In Africa, scientists have installed devices to monitor Lake Kivu, which has a similar composition to Lake Nyos and could potentially produce a limnic eruption. They have proposed a method for extracting methane from the lake, which would help stabilize the lake's composition and prevent a deadly gas buildup. At Lake Monoun in Cameroon, researchers have installed underwater sensors to monitor the lake's conditions and detect any buildup of hazardous gases.

Throughout the episode, scientists discuss the challenges of studying limnic eruptions and the importance of monitoring these lakes to prevent future disasters. They also explain how climate change and human activities can exacerbate the risk of limnic eruptions, making it more urgent than ever to study these deadly phenomena. Overall, "Killer Lakes" offers a fascinating and sobering look at the science of limnic eruptions and the efforts being made to understand and prevent these deadly events.