Ocean Plastics Flashcard

Front

What are garbage patches in the ocean?

Back

Garbage patches are areas in the ocean where large amounts of plastic and other debris accumulate due to ocean currents.

Front

What are some ways to stop the growth of garbage patches?

Back

Reducing plastic use, improving waste management, and increasing recycling efforts are key strategies to stop the growth of garbage patches.

Front

Why is plastic so widely used in products?

Back

Plastic is lightweight, durable, inexpensive, and versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Front

What percentage of plastic waste ends up in the oceans?

Back

An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the oceans each year.

Front

How does plastic ingestion affect marine life?

Back

Marine animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to starvation as their stomachs become clogged with indigestible materials.

Front

What is the Pacific trash vortex?

Back

The Pacific trash vortex is a large area in the North Pacific Ocean where plastic debris has accumulated, creating a 'floating island' of trash.

Front

Why is it difficult to measure the size of the Pacific trash vortex?

Back

The debris in the Pacific trash vortex is often small, sinks, or moves around, making it challenging to quantify.

Front

What are microplastics?

Back

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, often resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items.

Front

How do microplastics impact marine ecosystems?

Back

Microplastics can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to toxic effects and entering the food chain.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in the distribution of plastic waste?

Back

Ocean currents transport plastic waste across vast distances, contributing to the formation of garbage patches.