This USGS fact sheet provides an introductory synopsis of some of the causes of poor water quality in the Gulf of Mexico. The dead zone is caused by increased nutrients from the Mississippi River, especially nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, animal wastes, and domestic sewage. This fact sheet answers general questions such as what, where, and why a dead zone exists as well as approaches to the zone’s remediation. The site also features maps of the watershed and dead zone.
This resource is referenced here:Subject:
Biology:Ecology:Habitats:Water Column,
Biology:Ecology:Principles,
Biology:Microbiology,
Ecology:Habitats:Marine,
Geoscience:Geology:Geochemistry,
Geoscience:Hydrology:Surface Water:Water Quality/Chemistry
Resource Type:
Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work
Grade Level: General Public, College Lower (13-14), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
Extreme Environments: Altered by Humans, Anoxic
Ocean Environments: Surface Waters, Coastal and Estuarine
Theme:
Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Geochemistry,
Teach the Earth:Teaching Topics:Water,
Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Ecology,
Hydrology/Hydrogeology
Keywords: nutrient enrichment, eutrophication, hypoxia
