Final answer:
A void zone in the context of environmental science is also known as a dead zone, an area in water bodies where low oxygen due to algae overgrowth leads to the death of aquatic life. These zones result from human activities such as pollution and can have severe ecological impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A void zone, in the context of environmental science and ecology, refers to an area in an ocean or other body of water known as a dead zone. This is a region where the oxygen levels in the water are so low following the excessive growth of algae that virtually all aquatic organisms have died. Dead zones can be attributed to various human activities such as eutrophication, oil spills, and the dumping of toxic chemicals. A notorious example of a dead zone is found off the coast of the United States in the Gulf of Mexico, which is largely caused by fertilizer runoff from the Mississippi River basin, leading to a massive area deficient in marine life.
These dead zones impair the natural balance and diversity of aquatic ecosystems. As of 2008, more than 400 dead zones had been identified worldwide. Dead zones have severe implications for fisheries, recreation, and the overall health of the marine environment, as they no longer support the marine life that was once present.