The Dead Zone: Ecology and Oceanography in the Gulf of Mexico

This case study focuses on the seasonal hypoxic area in the Gulf of Mexico known as the Dead Zone. The case introduces students to the marine food web, the aquatic microbial loop, the impact of exogenous nutrients, and the physical forces that affect oxygen content and water stratification. It could be used in introductory biology or ecology courses or in an oceanography course. Registration and login required to access Answer Key. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division