Great Pacific Garbage Patch

What are the two types of continental margins?

Active and passive continental margins.

What structures are found at an active continental margin?

Shelf, slope, and trench.

What structures are found at a passive continental margin?

Continental shelf, continental slope, and continental rise.

What geological feature is characterized by a slope less than 1:1000?

Abyssal plain.

What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP)?

A collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean, approximately twice the size of Texas.

How many pieces of plastic are estimated to be in the GPGP per person on Earth?

Approximately 250 pieces of plastic.

What are primary microplastics?

Microplastics that are directly released into nature as small particles.

What are secondary microplastics?

Microplastics that form from the breakdown of larger plastics through processes like photodegradation and physical abrasion.

What are the main sources of microplastics?

Washing synthetic fibers, car tires, road markings, marine coatings, and personal care products.

What is the estimated percentage of clothing material worldwide that is synthetic textiles?

About 60%.

How are microplastics transported in the environment?

Through wind, river runoff, direct littering, and erosion from marine equipment.

What is the impact of microplastics on marine life?

Over 100,000 marine animals are injured, suffocate, or drown each year due to plastic interactions.

What is the significance of the Midway Atoll in relation to marine debris?

It has the largest albatross population in the world, with many birds ingesting plastic.

What are the two main types of ocean ridges mentioned?

Mid-ocean ridges and aseismic ridges.

What causes marine debris to collect in specific areas of the ocean?

Surface currents, which are influenced by basin geography and atmospheric circulation.

What are the potential toxic effects of microplastics?

Their chemical makeup is toxic, they can adsorb environmental pollutants, and they can carry pathogens.

What is a guyot?

An underwater volcanic mountain with a flat top.

What is an atoll?

A ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets.

What is a barrier reef?

A coral reef that runs parallel to the shore, separated by a lagoon.

What is a seamount?

An underwater mountain formed by volcanic activity.

What is the significance of the Marianas Trench?

It is the deepest oceanic trench in the world.