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What causes the dead zone in the gulf of mexico?

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The dead zone is caused by nutrient enrichment from the Mississippi River, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous. ... Satellite image of the northern Gulf of Mexico/Mississippi Delta showing hypoxic coastal water (light blue). This color change is due to excessive nutrients being washed into the sea. read more

The Gulf of Mexico dead zone is an area of hypoxic (link to USGS definition) (less than 2 ppm dissolved oxygen) waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Its area varies in size, but can cover up to 6,000-7,000 square miles. read more

The Mississippi River and its tributaries drain 41 percent of the United States and carry the nutrients that cause the Gulf’s dead zone. read more

Dead zones occur in many areas of the country, particularly along the East Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes, but there is no part of the country or the world that is immune. The second largest dead zone in the world is located in the U.S., in the northern Gulf of Mexico. read more

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