Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone Issues

The video discusses the Gulf of Mexico's hypoxic zone, known as the dead zone, which is predicted to be record-breaking in size this year. The dead zone is caused by excess fertilizer runoff, leading to algae overgrowth and oxygen depletion, affecting marine life. Flooding and agricultural practices contribute to its size. Solutions include reducing fertilizer runoff and improving agricultural practices, but challenges remain due to economic interests and intensified agriculture.

What is the primary reason the Gulf of Mexico's hypoxic zone is referred to as the 'dead zone'?

• It is a protected marine reserve.

• It is devoid of any water.

• It lacks sufficient oxygen to support marine life.

• It is a popular fishing area.

How does fertilizer runoff lead to the formation of the dead zone?

• It increases water temperature.

• It blocks sunlight from reaching the ocean floor.

• It causes excessive algae growth, which depletes oxygen.

• It directly poisons marine life.

What role do microorganisms play in the formation of the dead zone?

• They increase the water's salinity.

• They decompose organic matter, consuming oxygen.

• They clean the water by filtering pollutants.

• They help in the growth of marine plants.

What is one effect of the density difference between surface and bottom waters in the Gulf?

• It causes the water to freeze.

• It isolates bottom waters, preventing oxygen replenishment.

• It leads to higher water temperatures.

• It increases the water's acidity.

Why is the dead zone expected to be particularly large this year?

• Due to excessive runoff from agricultural lands caused by flooding.

• Because of a decrease in marine predators.

• Due to increased fishing activities.

• Because of a rise in ocean temperatures.

What is one proposed solution to reduce the size of the dead zone?

• Building more dams along the Mississippi River.

• Introducing more fish species to the Gulf.

• Increasing the use of fertilizers.

• Improving agricultural practices to reduce runoff.

What has hindered progress in reducing the size of the dead zone over the past 18 years?

• Increased ocean temperatures.

• Lack of scientific research.

• Decreased interest in marine conservation.

• Intensified and expanded agriculture.

What is the main challenge in implementing solutions to the dead zone problem?

• Insufficient government funding.

• Competing interests between agriculture and environmental conservation.

• Lack of scientific understanding.

• Lack of awareness among farmers.

What is a potential benefit of opening up wetlands and swamps to flooding?

• It increases agricultural land.

• It decreases the water's salinity.

• It removes excess nutrients before they enter the Gulf.

• It raises the water temperature.

What is one reason for the lack of progress in reducing nitrogen levels in the Gulf?

• Decreased rainfall in the region.

• Increased marine life in the Gulf.

• Increased agricultural production for ethanol.

• Lack of scientific research.