Dead Zones in the Gulf of Mexico Quiz

Dead Zones in the Gulf of Mexico

• Area Change: Between 1985 and 2013, the area of dead zones increased by 440%.

• Gulf of Mexico Issue: Dead zones are becoming a significant problem in the Gulf of Mexico.

• Evidence for Increasing Problem: Dead zones are increasing in area.

Source of Phosphorus and Nitrogen

• Common Source: Intensive farming is the primary source of phosphorus and nitrogen in the Gulf of Mexico.

Formation of Dead Zones

• Nutrient Increase: Excessive nutrients from fertilizers run into the water.

• Eutrophication: This increase in nutrients causes eutrophication, which is an explosive growth of algae.

• Sunlight Blocking: Algae blooms block sunlight to the lower water levels, preventing photosynthesis.

• Plant Death: Plants die from insufficient sunlight.

• Bacterial Decomposition: Bacteria decompose the dead plants, using up oxygen.

• Lack of Oxygen: Reduction in oxygen levels creates a zone where fish and other marine life cannot survive.

Socio-economic Impacts of Dead Zones

• Coral Bleaching: Degradation of coral reefs which is evident from the photograph.

• Fish Kill: Death of fish is observed in the photograph.

• Tourism Decline: Decline in tourism due to the negative impact on the environment of the region.

• Economic Loss: Decrease in industry income, from lack of fish and tourism.

Alleviating Dead Zones

• Sustainable Farming: Implementing sustainable farming practices.

• Intercropping: Using intercropping methods to reduce fertilizer runoff.

• Sewage Treatment: Treatment of sewage prior to discharge.

Oil Spills and Seabirds

• Weight Change: Oil increases the weight of feathers.

• Insulation: Feathers keep seabirds warm. Oil interferes with the insulation function.

• Preening: Seabirds preen to clean and maintain their feathers, preventing oil from accumulating.

• Oil Ingestion: Seabirds may ingest oil, resulting in health issues. This can lead to starvation.

Pollution of Seas

• Sewage Disposal: Improper sewage disposal (untreated or poorly treated) pollutes the seas.

• Nutrient Runoff: Excessive nutrients from intensive farming (fertilizers) pollute coastal regions. This causes algal blooms.

• Solid Waste: Solid waste (e.g., plastics) pollutes the oceans from rivers and sewers.

• Radioactive Material: Radioactive waste and nuclear tests pollute the ocean, increasing the threat of radioactive contamination.

• Oil Spills: Oil tanker accidents, oil drilling, and oil runoff contaminate the seas.

Impact on Marine Life

• Solid Waste: Solid waste can trap or choke marine animals.

• Chemical Pollution: Contaminated seawater with heavy metals and chemicals affects their health, causing harm or death

• Food Web: Pollution can contaminate the food web leading to sickness and death of consumers. Pollution travels up the food chain.

Socio-economic Impacts of Sea Pollution

• Tourism: Decline in tourism due to pollution of coastal areas.

• Health: Risk of food poisoning due to pollutants in seafood.

• Expenditure: Increase in government spending on medical treatment.

• Activities: Suspension of recreational activities due to pollution.

Test your knowledge on the increasing issue of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico. This quiz covers the causes, effects, and the role of farming in nutrient pollution. Understand the process of eutrophication and its impact on marine life.