The term "dead zone" refers to an area of water that lacks oxygen and cannot support life. It is typically caused by excessive nutrient pollution, which leads to the growth of harmful algae and other aquatic plants. Alternatives to this phrase include "hypoxic zone," "oxygen-depleted zone," and "anoxic zone." These terms all describe the same phenomenon but vary in their specificity. Additionally, "eutrophic zone" can be used to describe an area with excessive nutrients but may not necessarily be completely oxygen-depleted. Regardless of the terminology used, it is important to address the root causes of dead zones in order to preserve aquatic ecosystems and protect the health of marine life.