Lake Kivu and Methane

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A strong earthquake or volcanic eruption could potentially trigger a gas release by disrupting the lakes layered structure. Methane is already being pumped from the lake's depths and burnt to create much needed electricity. Researchers have estimated that the methane and lake kivu could be worth up to forty two billion dollars over 50 years.

Lake Kivu, nestled between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, is a geological anomaly that holds 300 cubic kilometres of dissolved carbon dioxide and 60 cubic kilometres of methane.

The lake has the potential to explosively release these gases, which could fill the surrounding valley, potentially killing millions of people.

Researchers are trying to establish the likelihood of such an event happening, and the best way to safely siphon the gases from the lake.

This is an audio version of our feature: How dangerous is Africa’s explosive Lake Kivu?

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