DEAD ZONE

[Jeffersons Ghost]

"Dead Zones" Multiplying Fast, Coastal Water Study Says

Anne Minard
National Geographic News
August 14, 2008
"Dead zones" are on the rise, says a new study that identified stark growth in the number of coastal areas where the water has too little oxygen to sustain marine life.

There are now more than 400 known dead zones in coastal waters worldwide, compared to 305 in the 1990s, according to study author Robert Diaz of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Those numbers are up from 162 in the 1980s, 87 in the 1970s, and 49 in the 1960s, Diaz said. In the 1910s, four dead zones had been identified.

May Be Linked to Warming )

Many marine ecosystems experience low oxygen levels between spring and fall, Diaz said. But the lack of oxygen becomes persistent if nutrient levels stay high.

Earth's largest dead zone, in the Baltic Sea, experiences oxygen deprivation year-round.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/08/080814-dead-zones.html

[Peace Teacher]

1. Very sad, thanks for posting

:loveya:

[Jeffersons Ghost]

3. thanks for your kindness

[hootinholler]

2. K&R heard this on NPR Friday. n/t

[galledgoblin]

4. very very scary

these zones are one of my top environmental concerns.