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News at the HPC²

NOAA-Supported Scientists from NGI Research Partner, LOUISIANA UNIVERSITIES MARINE CONSORTIUM, Releases Report for Gulf of Mexico "Dead Zone"

August 4, 2022

Distribution of bottom-water dissolved oxygen concentration for July
Distribution of bottom-water dissolved oxygen concentration for July 25-29, 2022. The combined area of less than 2 mg l-1 and 1 mg l-1 are the darkest colors and are outlined by the black line. Data source: NN Rabalais*+, RE Turner* & C Glaspie*, *+Louisiana State University, and Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. Funding: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.
Low dissolved oxygen in the water is often referred to as a "dead zone" because most marine life either dies or if they are mobile such as fish, leaves the area. Habitats that would normally be teeming with life become biological deserts.

The second largest dead zone in the world is located in the U.S., in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Read the latest, "REPORT FROM 2022 SHELF-WIDE HYPOXIA CRUISE."

Visit the Gulf Hypoxia website at www.gulfhypoxia.net for maps, additional graphics and more information concerning this summer's research cruise and previous cruises.