**
Overview
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, also known as the Pacific Trash Vortex, is a massive collection of marine debris that has been accumulating in the North Pacific Ocean since the 1940s. This phenomenon is a result of the convergence of ocean currents and winds, which create a massive whirlpool-like system that traps plastic waste and other debris. The patch is estimated to be around 700,000 square kilometers in size, roughly the size of Texas or France. The sheer scale of this environmental disaster has sparked widespread concern and calls for action to address the issue.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is not a solid island of trash, but rather a vast expanse of floating debris, including plastic bags, bottles, microbeads, and other plastic waste. This debris can be broken down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which are then ingested by marine animals, potentially harming their health and the entire food chain. The patch is not a static entity, but rather a dynamic system that shifts and changes with the ocean currents.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather part of a larger problem of marine pollution. Plastic waste is a major contributor to ocean pollution, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the world's oceans every year. This has serious implications for marine ecosystems, human health, and the economy.
History/Background
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch was first discovered in the 1980s by a team of researchers from the University of Hawaii. However, it is believed that the patch has been accumulating since the 1940s, when plastic production began to increase significantly. The patch is thought to have formed as a result of the convergence of the North Pacific Gyre, a massive ocean current that circulates water in the North Pacific Ocean. The gyre creates a system of rotating currents that trap debris in the center, creating a massive accumulation of waste.
In the 1990s, the issue of marine debris began to gain international attention, with the United Nations holding a conference on the topic in 1995. Since then, there have been numerous efforts to address the issue, including the creation of the Marine Debris Program by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2004.
Key Information
* The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is estimated to be around 700,000 square kilometers in size.
* The patch is thought to contain over 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic debris.
* The patch is not a solid island of trash, but rather a vast expanse of floating debris.
* Plastic waste is a major contributor to ocean pollution, with an estimated 8 million tons entering the world's oceans every year.
* The patch is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, birds, and other species that are harmed by the debris.
Significance
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a pressing environmental issue that has serious implications for marine ecosystems, human health, and the economy. The patch is a symbol of the devastating impact of human activity on the environment, and highlights the need for urgent action to address the issue. The patch is also a reminder of the interconnectedness of the world's oceans and the need for international cooperation to address global environmental challenges.
