Hypoxia (environmental) - Where Hypoxia Occurs

Where Hypoxia Occurs

Hypoxia can occur throughout the water column and also at high altitudes as well as near sediments on the bottom. It usually extends throughout 20-50% of the water column, but depending on the water depth and location of pycnoclines (rapid changes in water density with depth) it can occur in 10-80% of the water column. For example, in a 10-meter water column, it can reach up to 2 meters below the surface. In a 20-meter water column, it can extend up to 8 meters below the surface.

Hypoxia can also occur outside of an aquatic environment, in conditions where the oxygen content of the air is reduced. This is common, for example, in the sealed burrows of some subterranean animals, such as blesmols.