Deep-Ocean Low-Oxygen Zones Spreading to Shallower Coastal Waters

This low oxygen state of deep ocean waters is a normal thing, but what is not normal is the encroachment of these waters into continental shelf waters. The phenomena is happening more often around the world and is likely associated with climate change. Why is this bad? Nothing can live in these waters. If living organisms can not flee, they perish. These low to no oxygen waters have increase by 1.7 million square miles since the 1970s. This is an area that is nearly 3 times the size of Alaska. species that can flee are encountering different environments. Ecological diversity is stressed and ultimately diminished because of the shrinking survivable habitat.

Strama et.al., Ocean oxygen minima expansions and their biological impacts, Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers February 2010class="style40"> February 20, 2010 Never Seen Anything Like It (Climategate)