Some states bordering the Guif of Mexico experienced a drought. or period of time with very little rainfall, in 2012. Scientists think the drought affected the size of a dead zone in the gulf waters. Dead zones develop whern large amounts of fertilizers trom the surrounding land get
washed into the gulf when it rains. The fertilzer causes algae to grow in the water, When the algae die, they sink to the bottom. They use up oxygen
as they decay. Then the water does not have enough oxygen left for fish to live, The area becomes a dead zone. During the drought of 2012
however, the dead zone became smaller
According to the article, what is the most likely reasona dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico became smaler in 2012?