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Seafloor Microplastic Hotspots Controlled by Deep-sea Circulation

Year of Publication

2020

This report presents the findings of the study conducted on microplastic hotspots on the global seafloor accumulated by currents.

Source:

Science

Author(s):

Ian A. Kane, Michael A. Clare, Elda Miramontes,Roy Wogelius,James J. Rothwell, Pierre Garreau, Florian Pohl

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Geography:

Global

Type:

Primary Data

Purpose of Measurement:

Understanding the Problem

Impact theme(s):

Oceans, Material Flows

This report presents the findings of the study conducted on microplastic hotspots on the global seafloor accumulated by currents. It shows that thermohaline-driven currents, which build extensive seafloor sediment accumulations, can control the distribution of microplastics and create hotspots with the highest concentrations reported for any seafloor setting (190 pieces per 50 grams).

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