Midwest Drought Shrinks Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone

摘要

Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported in July that the hypoxic zone, i.e., a "dead zone" lacking oxygen, in the Gulf of Mexico was the fourth smallest since 1985, when these measurements began. The area measured approximately 2,889 square miles, slightly larger than Delaware. Scientists expected a small zone this summer as the Midwest drought has reduced the amount of nutrients being transported into the Mississippi River.