|
MISSISSIPPI DEAD ZONE
Credit: Neuse River Estuary Modeling and Montoring (Above: Sediment filled water meets the blue ocean in this photo at the outflow of the Neuse River after Hurricane Floyd. )
Recent reports indicate that the large region of low oxygen water often referred to as the 'Dead Zone' has spread across nearly 5,800 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico again in what appears to be an annual event. NASA satellites monitor the health of the oceans and spots the conditions that lead to a dead zone. The above photo of the outflow of the Neuse River is an example of contrast seen in the Gulf of Mexico when sediment filled water meets the ocean.
MISSISSIPPI DEAD ZONE
Credit: NASA (Download High Resolution .tif: Summer / Winter)
These images show how ocean color changes from winter to summer in the Gulf of Mexico. Summertime satellite observations of ocean color from MODIS/Aqua show highly turbid waters which may include large blooms of phytoplankton extending from the mouth of the Mississippi River all the way to the Texas coast. When these blooms die and sink to the bottom, bacterial decomposition strips oxygen from the surrounding water, creating an environment very difficult for marine life to survive in. Reds and oranges represent high concentrations of phytoplankton and river sediment.
SHIPS AND SATELLITES MATCH MEASUREMENTS
Credit: NOAA (Download High Resolution .tif)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ships measured low oxygen water in the same location as the highly turbid water in the satellite images. Most studies indicate that fertilizers and runoff from human sources is one of the major stresses impacting coastal ecosystems. In this image, reds and oranges represent low oxygen concentrations.
RIVER OUTLETS SUPPORT LIFE
Credit: NASA/OrbImage
Summer rains wash nutrients, dissolved organic matter and sediment out of the mouths of rivers, into the sea, sparking large phytoplankton blooms. South America presents two excellent examples of river outlets where phytoplankton tends to thrive. Along the northern part of the continent the mouth of the Orinoco River opens into the Caribbean. Along the Eastern side of South America, the mighty Amazon exits its thousand mile journey.
CREEPING DEAD ZONES
Credit: NASA (Download High Resolution .tif) (Click for animation)
Enhanced phytoplankton blooms can create dead zones. Dead zones are areas of water so devoid of oxygen that sea life cannot live there. If phytoplankton productivity is enhanced by fertilizers or other nutrients, more organic matter is produced at the surface of the ocean. The organic matter sinks to the bottom, where bacteria break it down and release carbon dioxide. Bacteria thrive off excessive organic matter and absorb oxygen, the same oxygen that fish, crabs and other sea creatures rely on for life.
PHYTOPLANKTON
Credit: NASA (Download High Resolution .tif)
The ocean is filled with life. One of the most important varieties found there is the most humble: phytoplankton. They're tiny, single celled plant organisms that form the root of the oceanic food chain.
Back to Top
|
