Lake Oku

Lake Oku
Coordinates 6°11′34″N 10°27′14″E / 6.19278°N 10.45389°E / 6.19278; 10.45389Coordinates: 6°11′34″N 10°27′14″E / 6.19278°N 10.45389°E / 6.19278; 10.45389
Type Crater lake
Basin countries Cameroon
Surface area 400 acres (160 ha)[1]
Max. depth circa 3 m (10 ft)[1]
Surface elevation 2,219 metres (7,280 ft)[2]

Lake Oku is a crater lake on the Bamenda Plateau in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. It is located at 2,219 metres (7,280 ft) on Mount Oku, and is completely surrounded by cloud forest.[2]

The lake lies in an explosion crater formed in the last phase of development of the Oku Massif, a large volcanic field with a diameter of about 100 kilometres (62 mi). Mount Oku is a stratovolcano that rises to 3,011 metres (9,879 ft).[3] The lake is the subject of many myths among the local people.[4]

The lake is the only known habitat of the Lake Oku Clawed Frog.[2] The surrounding Kilum-Ijim Forest is a nature reserve, set up by BirdLife International, and home to many rare species.[5]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Freeth, S.J.; C.O. Ofoegbu; and K.M. Onuoha (1992). Natural Hazards in West and Central Africa, p. 52. ISBN 978-3-663-05239-5
  2. 1 2 3 "Lake Oku Clawed Frog (Xenopus longipes". EDGE. Retrieved 2011-02-06.
  3. ↑ Alan Robert Woolley (2001). "OKU". Alkaline rocks and carbonatites of the world, Part 3. Geological Society. p. 35. ISBN 1-86239-083-5.
  4. ↑ Pierre Fandio, Mongi Madini (2007). Figures de l'histoire et imaginaire au Cameroun. Editions L'Harmattan. p. 36. ISBN 2-296-03838-7.
  5. ↑ "Lake Oku (Boyo Division, NW Region)". Cameroon Tourist. Retrieved 2011-02-06.
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