Great Pacific Garbage Patch Worksheet

What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

• A. A large island made of garbage

• B. A region in the Pacific Ocean with a high concentration of plastic debris

• C. A landfill site in California

• D. A recycling center in Japan

Where is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch located?

• Between California and Hawaii

• Near the coast of Australia

• In the Atlantic Ocean

• Off the coast of Africa

Approximately how large is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

• The size of Texas

• Twice the size of Texas

• The size of New York City

• Half the size of Texas

What type of debris is most commonly found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

• Metal cans

• Glass bottles

• Plastic items

• Wooden logs

What are microplastics?

• Large plastic objects

• Tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size

• Biodegradable plastics

• Plastic items used in construction

Plastics in the ocean affect marine life by:

• providing nutrients

• causing harm and pollution

• improving water quality

• creating habitats

What is one way plastics enter the ocean?

• Through space debris

• From land-based sources via rivers

• By volcanic eruptions

• Through underground tunnels

What are ghost nets?

• Fishing nets that have been lost or abandoned in the ocean

• Nets used to catch ghosts

• Invisible nets used by fishermen

• Decorative nets used in aquariums

How does the Great Pacific Garbage Patch affect the food chain?

• It has no effect

• Plastics can accumulate in marine organisms and move up the food chain

• It provides additional nutrients

• It reduces the number of predators

What is the primary cause of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

• Natural disasters

• Human activities leading to plastic pollution

• Underwater volcanic activity

• Alien interference