Oceanic Dead Zones

Definition

Oceanic dead zones are areas in oceans or large lakes where oxygen levels are extremely low or depleted due to excessive nutrient pollution. This lack of oxygen leads to the death or displacement of marine organisms.

Related terms

Hypoxia:

A condition where dissolved oxygen levels in water become dangerously low, leading to stress or death for aquatic organisms.

Nutrient Pollution: Excess nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) entering water bodies through human activities, causing harmful algal blooms and dead zones.

Anoxic Conditions: Complete absence of dissolved oxygen in a body of water, resulting in the death of most organisms.