Gulf of Mexico’s ‘dead zone’ may be the biggest on record

The transcript discusses the formation and impact of dead zones, also known as hypoxic zones, in ocean waters. These areas have low oxygen levels, harmful to marine life, and are exacerbated by nutrient runoff from fertilizers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a significant increase in dead zones due to record rainfall in the American Midwest. Marine animals like shrimp and fish tend to avoid these zones when oxygen levels fall below 2 parts per million.

What is the predicted size of the dead zone in the American Midwest this year?

• 5000 square miles

• 12000 square miles

• 8000 square miles

• 10000 square miles

Which organization predicts the size of the dead zone?

• NASA

• EPA

• NOAA

• USGS

What causes the formation of dead zones in ocean waters?

• Plastic pollution

• Nutrient runoff from fertilizers

• Oil spills

• Overfishing

Which nutrients are primarily responsible for the growth of algae in ocean waters?

• Magnesium and sulfur

• Nitrogen and phosphorus

• Calcium and potassium

• Iron and zinc

At what oxygen level do marine animals like shrimp and fish start to leave hypoxic zones?

• 2 parts per million

• 5 parts per million

• 4 parts per million

• 3 parts per million