Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Shows Hypoxia Volumes Remained Above Average in July

Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show an above average volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia in early and late July. Early July saw an increase in hypoxia from late June, with volumes almost double the historical average, and the sixth-highest early July volume in the past 40 years. Anoxia – waters with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen – was also above average. Hypoxia volumes decreased in late July and were closer to average, but anoxia was near double the historical average and confined solely to Maryland waters. Historically, heavy rainfall early in the year can precede greater levels of hypoxia–areas of water with low dissolved oxygen levels–due to rain runoff carrying excess nutrients into the Bay, which can contribute to algal blooms and reduce water clarity. Warmer temperatures can also contribute to hypoxia as warmer waters hold less oxygen. Summary results from combined Maryland and Virginia mainstem Bay monitoring cruises are as follows, with volumes in cubic miles. Rank is in order of lowest (better conditions) to highest hypoxia volume (worse conditions) versus years analyzed. 2025 Cruise Hypoxic Volume Average […]

The post Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Shows Hypoxia Volumes Remained Above Average in July appeared first on Southern Maryland News Net.

Source: https://smnewsnet.comNew feed