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Why is Marine Debris everyone's problem? |
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Everyday, all over the world, people are making so much trash in their daily lives. |
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There is so much trash being throw away at such a fast speed that trash disposal systems cannot keep up to take care of them all.
Once in the ocean, trash is carried by ocean currents and can travel from one country to coastlines and beaches of another country across the world.
By ocean currents, some marine debirs travel thousands of miles away from the original countries where they are thrown. |
Photo authorised: PIXTA P-005912eaf0-006e73e |
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How debris travels in the Pacific Ocean? |
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Simulation and animation were generated by Islands4Kids
Simulation System: Courtisy of NOAA |
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This is a typical course of Black (Kuroshio) Current. Black Current is a fast moving ocean current on the North Pacific Ocean circling clockwise.
Marine debris that leaves Southeast Asia takes about two years to reach the pacific coast of the United States, and another two years to return to Asia. So, a roundtrip movement from Southeast Asian takes roughly four years. |
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What are the garbage patches? |
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| Garbage patches are areas of marine debris concentration. These patches of marine debris do not form islands or other large formations that can be seen by satellite or aerial photographs. Though the specific locations cannot be specifically identified, there are two approximate areas of garbage patches. The Eastern Garbage Patch is located approximately within the North Pacific Subtropical High between Hawaii and California. The Western Garbage Patch may be located near the Kuroshio current off the coast of Japan. |
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