Ocean Flashcards
Why are oceans so important
Humans are interconnected with ocean - provide water, oxygen, weather, food, minerals, and resources
Allow for transport and habitat for 80% of life on Earth
Oceans are under threat due to extraction of resources, dump waste and destring them
What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The garbage patch is an area of marine debris concentration in the North Pacific Ocean. SOUP
What is a gyre
Gyre is a large system of circular ocean currents formed by global wind patters and forces created by Earth’s rotation (the Coriolis effect).
Evaluate the properties of plastic and identify the issues associated with plastic in our oceans.
Breakdown: Plastic breaks into microplastics but doesn’t fully decompose, causing long-term pollution.
Impact: Harms marine life, disrupts ecosystems, and can enter the food chain.
Explain how plastic accumulates in our oceans.
Sources: Plastic enters oceans through rivers, beaches, storm drains, and littering.
Transport: Currents and winds carry plastic debris across the globe.
Accumulation: Plastic collects in large areas like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch due to ocean currents (gyres).
Ø Analyse strategies to address ocean plastics.
Prevention: Bans on single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and increasing consumer awareness.
Improved Waste Management: Better recycling systems, enhanced waste collection, and supporting a circular economy.
Cleanup Efforts: Ocean cleanup technologies and community beach cleanups.
Innovation: Development of biodegradable plastics and sustainable alternatives.
Global Cooperation: International agreements and collaborations among governments, NGOs, and businesses.
How can gyres be used to explain plastic concentrations in ocean
Gyres are vast rotating ocean current systems that trap debris in their circular flow. Once plastic enters a gyre, it accumulates in the center, forming large patches like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Plastics break down into microplastics but rarely degrade, posing a persistent environmental threat.
Define ocean currents
Ocean currents are continuous flows of water in the ocean that move in specific directions. They are mainly driven by wind, the Earth’s rotation, and differences in water temperature and salt levels. Ocean currents help move heat, nutrients, and marine life around the planet, playing a vital role in regulating the climate and supporting marine ecosystems.
What is the difference between ocean currents and gyre’s
Ocean currents are individual flows of water that move seawater across the globe, while gyres are large, circular systems of these currents that rotate and often trap debris within their boundaries.
What are the 6 R’s and their use and preferability order
- Redesign
- Refuse
- Reduce
- Repair
5 Reuse - Recycle
This is for sustainable living and mitigating ocean marine debris concentration and plastic - you dont rlly need to know but jus do.
What are some positive aspects of plastic
Light, Cheap, Waterproof, Strong
What are some negative aspects of plastic
50% is for single use, plastics have been found in the intestines of about 700 marine species, plastic can entangle and lacerate large marine species and plastic breaks down into microplastics which can be further consumed more
How is plastic harmful to turtles?
Research show that over half turtles have eaten plastic, at 20% death rate. They confuse them for jellyfish. This leads to many problems and harmful effects; blockage of intestines and injury, malnutrition, poor health, reduced growth, difficulty finding food, death. Turtles also get entangled in plastic, causing cuts and injuries that lead to starving and drowning.
