Distribution of bottom-water dissolved oxygen concentration for July 25-29, 2022. The combined area less than 2 mg l-1 and 1 mg l-1 are the darkest colors and 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. Graphic by Leslie Smith
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, leave 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 the 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.