Each summer, a large ʺdead zoneʺ devoid of fish and other animals develops where the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico. What causes this?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico is primarily caused by large quantities of fertilizer running off from Midwestern farm fields into the Mississippi River. These fertilizers contain nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which lead to excessive algae growth. When the algae die and decompose, oxygen in the water is consumed at a rate faster than it can be replenished, creating hypoxic conditions unsuitable for most marine life.

Each Summer, a Large ʺDead Zoneʺ Devoid of Fish and Other