Posted:
8 dic 2021 03:27 GMT
As a result of innovative study techniques, the map shows the location and concentration of plastic that floated in the oceans between April 2017 and September 2018.
NASA general On December 4th, there is an animated map showing the flow of ocean plastic and highlighting the scale of marine water pollution worldwide. This representation became possible thanks to a new method for measuring the volumes of this substance, developed by a group of researchers from the University of Michigan (USA).
The map shows the location and concentration of plastic that floated in the oceans between April 2017 and September 2018. Animation data, between 38°N latitude and 38°S latitude, was collected by eight microsatellites from the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite (CYGNSS) Hurricane Forecasting System .
How was the map formed?
Scientists usually calculate the amount of plastic waste in marine waters by trawling it. In this case, an innovative technology was used: specialists analyzed the radio signals emitted by GPS satellites, which were reflected on the ocean surface and then captured by CYGNSS.
Thus, experts were able to calculate roughness from the surface of the sea. The point is that if there is plastic debris or any other debris waves fade away, which makes the surface less agitated.
It is found in clean water high coincidence Between the roughness of the ocean and the speed of the wind. But as we move to the large garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean, we see greater discrepancy between measurements of wind speed and surface roughness,” explained Chris Rove, one of the study’s authors.
According to the estimates contained in the statement of the investigation, approx Eight million tons Of the plastic ends up every year in the ocean through rivers and beaches.
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