How big is the garbage patch in the ocean?

How big is the garbage patch in the ocean?

1.6 million square kilometers
The GPGP covers an estimated surface area of 1.6 million square kilometers, an area twice the size of Texas or three times the size of France. To formulate this number, the team of scientists behind this research conducted the most elaborate sampling method ever coordinated.

Where are the 5 major garbage patches in the ocean?

There are five gyres to be exact—the North Atlantic Gyre, the South Atlantic Gyre, the North Pacific Gyre, the South Pacific Gyre, and the Indian Ocean Gyre—that have a significant impact on the ocean.

Is there a garbage patch in the ocean?

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. Marine debris is litter that ends up in oceans, seas, and other large bodies of water. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, also known as the Pacific trash vortex, spans waters from the West Coast of North America to Japan.

Who pollutes the ocean the most?

China, Indonesia top the trash tally. More plastic in the ocean comes from China and Indonesia than anywhere else — together, they account for one-third of plastic pollution. In fact, 80 percent of plastic pollution comes from just 20 countries, including the United States.

How many garbage patches are there in the ocean?

The first of these five garbage patches – the North Pacific one – was discovered in 1997 by American oceanographer Charles Moore. In 2017 the last one was confirmed in the South Atlantic, and the other three were found in the North Atlantic (2009), the Indian Ocean (2010), and the South Pacific (2011).

How does all that garbage end up in the ocean?

Garbage in the ocean comes from trash from trash cans, the streets, and landfills that gets blown into sewers, rivers, or directly into the ocean. People litter, or wind blows trash out of dumpsters and garbage bins. The trash makes its way into storm drains. Trash travels through sewer pipes, into waterways, and finally into the ocean.

Why does the Garbage go into the ocean?

Intentional littering and dumping are a big cause of marine debris. Sometimes the trash goes directly into the ocean, like when beachgoers don’t pick up after themselves. Or sometimes, marine debris is indirectly generated in a city hundreds of miles from the ocean.

Is there garbage patch in the Great Lakes?

Recent reports suggest that a similar garbage patch may be developing in the Great Lakes as well. However, based on research we know that the name “garbage patch” is misleading and that there is no island of trash forming in the middle of the ocean.