The Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Near the deposition point, there is a "dead zone". At this zone, few animals can live. The water here is depleted in oxygen. Why is this?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "dead zone" is primarily caused by cultural eutrophication, where excess nutrients from agricultural runoff lead to algal blooms. When these algae die and decompose, they consume oxygen, depleting it from the water and creating hypoxic conditions unsuitable for most marine life.

The Mississippi River Flows into the Gulf of Mexico