Mazuku

In geology, a mazuku (Swahili: evil wind) is a pocket of oxygen-poor air that can be lethal to any human or animal life inside.[1] Mazuku are created when an odorless and invisible gas such as carbon dioxide accumulates in pockets low to the ground.[2] CO2 is heavier than air, which causes it to stay close to the ground, and is also undetectable by human olfactory or most visual conditions.

Lake Kivu is an example of a lake where mazuku occur."[3] In 2006, three ski patrollers died after falling into a cave on Mammoth Mountain that contained a mazuku.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ Walsh, Declan (January 2004). "Goma Lives in Fear of Volcano's Next Eruption; 2004". The Sunday Independent. Plate Tectonics. http://www.platetectonics.com/article.asp?a=86&c=2. Retrieved 23 April 2011. 
  2. ^ "Volcano Under the City". NOVA. PBS. 1 November 2005.
  3. ^ Kron, Josh (January 2004). "Deadly Gas Flows Add to a Lake’s List of Perils". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/world/africa/06kivu.html. Retrieved 23 April 2011. 
  4. ^ Killer Lakes. National Geographic.
  5. ^ Shirk, George. "Mammoth Ski Patrol Tragedy". Mammoth Local. http://www.mammothlocal.com/news/3_ski_patrollers_die.php. Retrieved 23 April 2011. 

See also