Articles | Volume 23, issue 11
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4707-2019
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4707-2019
Research article
 | 
19 Nov 2019
Research article |  | 19 Nov 2019

Reliable reference for the methane concentrations in Lake Kivu at the beginning of industrial exploitation

Bertram Boehrer, Wolf von Tümpling, Ange Mugisha, Christophe Rogemont, and Augusta Umutoni

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Cited articles

Bärenbold, F., Boehrer, B., Grilli, R., Mugisha, A., von Tümpling, W., Umutoni, A., and Schmid, M.: Updated dissolved gas concentrations in Lake Kivu from an intercomparison project, in review, 2019. 
Boehrer, B. and Schultze, M.: Stratification of lakes, Rev. Geophys., 46, RG2005, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006RG000210, 2008. 
Boehrer, B., Yusta, I., Magin, K., and Sanchez-España, J.: Quantifying, assessing and removing the extreme gas load from meromictic Guadiana pit lake, Southwest Spain, Sci. Total Environ., 563–564, 486–477, 2016. 
Boehrer, B., von Rohden, C., and Schultze, M.: Physical features of meromictic lakes: stratification and circulation, in: Ecology of meromictic lakes. Ecological Studies 228, edited by: Gulati, R. D., Zadereev, E. S., and Degermendzhi, A. G., Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, Germany, New York, USA, 15–34, 2017. 
Borges, A. V., Abril, G., Delille, B., Descy, J.-P., and Darchambeau, F.: Diffusive methane emissions to the atmosphere from Lake Kivu, J. Geophys. Res., 116, G03032, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JG001673, 2011. 
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Short summary
Dissolved methane in Lake Kivu (East Africa) represents a precious energy deposit, but the high gas loads have also been perceived as a threat by the local population. Our measurements confirm the huge amount of methane and carbon dioxide present, but do not support the current theory of a significant recharge. Direct measurements of gas pressure indicate no imminent danger due to limnic eruptions. A continuous survey is mandatory to support responsible action during industrial exploitation.