How GLobal WArming
effects DeadZones
The spike in global temperature equates to a reduced amount of oxygen the ocean is able to hold. Wind mixes with oxygen from the atmosphere into deep and oxygen poor waters which results into a high oxygen level. Sediments then release more nutrients into the water when the oxygen level gets too low(Teach Ocean Science). The excess amount of nitrogen and phosphorus result in algal blooms, which can expand rapidly. This expansive amount of algal blooms use as much available oxygen present. Once the algal blooms die, they sink to the bottom of the ocean, and their dead bacteria cells decompose, depleting the oxygen level even more.
Warmer waters can hold less dissolved oxygen in general. Warmer air will heat up the surface of the water, making it more buoyant and reducing the likelihood that the top layer will mix with colder waters below. Those deeper waters are often where the hypoxia first develops, and without mixing, the low-oxygen zone sticks around. (Zielinski, 2014)
Algal Blooms
(David, 2000)
Pg.5
by MMarks