What is a dead zone?
A dead zone otherwise known by the term hypoxia is an area of reduced levels of oxygen in oceanic waters. The reduction of oxygen in the water dramatically affects the marine life that lives in the area. The term dead zone is used because most marine life that lives with in it either dies, or, if they are mobile such as fish, they leave the area.
Dead zones can occur naturally or be the product of human activity. Chemicals and nutrient pollutions are the primary cause of human created dead zones. These chemicals include fertilizers which cause the overgrowth of algae in the area. The algae then decompose in the water using up the small amount of oxygen available to the marine life.
By: Shaza Karam
For more information:
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Diving Deeper Podcast, Episode 12 (Jul. 1, 2009) - What is a dead zone?
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