. . . . predict largest Gulf of Mexico 'dead zone' on record"

[ensho]

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/nh-nal071508.php


NOAA and Louisiana scientists predict largest Gulf of Mexico 'dead zone' on record
Mississippi River flooding is major contributor to size of this year's dead zone


-snip-

"The prediction of a large dead zone this summer is due to a combination of large influx of nitrogen and exceptionally high flows from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers," said LSU scientist R. Eugene Turner.

The dead zone is an area in the Gulf of Mexico where seasonal oxygen levels drop too low to support most life in bottom and near-bottom waters. This low oxygen, or hypoxic, area is primarily caused by high nutrient levels, which stimulates an overgrowth of algae that sinks and decomposes. The decomposition process in turn depletes dissolved oxygen in the water. The dead zone is of particular concern because it threatens valuable commercial and recreational Gulf fisheries.
-snip-
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we have outdone ourselves in pollution production

[whistle]

1. Did dead zones appear in the Gulf before off-shore oil drilling had been allowed?

[n2doc]

2. They have no connection with drilling

They are caused by the huge amounts of fertilizer coming off of midwest farms and carried down to the sea. The problem gets worse during floods and also because growing corn requires a lot more fertilizer than soybeans (which can "make" their own N fertilizers). This is a long term, growing problem that won't be solved soon. Too many powerful interests at work.

[kestrel91316]

3. Two words: CORN-BASED ETHANOL