We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Distribution of plastics of various sizes and densities in the global ocean from a 3D Eulerian model
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D Eulerian ocean transport model to simulate the global distribution of microplastics of varying sizes and densities, incorporating particle-specific vertical terminal velocity calculations driven by ECCO ocean current data. The model revealed that particle size and density critically determine vertical distribution patterns, with smaller and denser particles sinking more rapidly and accumulating in distinct ocean depth zones.
We develop a 3D Eulerian model to study the transport and distribution of microplastics in the global ocean. Among other benefits that will be discussed in the paper, one unique feature of our model is that it takes into consideration the effect of properties of particles (size and density, the former for the first time) to their vertical terminal velocity. With ocean current velocity taken from ECCOv4r4, a dataset generated from a data-assimilated MITgcm reanalysis, our model is integrated for 26 years for particles of different properties with their stationary patterns studied. We find that only low-density particles with sufficient size (e.g. density $900kg/m^3$ with size $\gtrsim 10 μm$) aggregate in the five subtropical gyres observed in previous studies. In contrast, particles of smaller size ($\sim 1 μm$), irrespective of their density, behave like neutrally buoyant particles with a weaker pattern on the surface and a deeper penetration into depth (up to about 1km deep). In addition, we observe seasonal variations of floating particle concentration on the ocean surface, which reasonably agree with the satellite observation by Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) in terms of the phase of the variation. We find that the seasonal variation of the surface particle concentration correlates well with the variation of the mixing layer (ML) depth globally, due to an almost uniform vertical distribution of particles in the ML with total amount of particles conserved.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Distribution of Plastics of Various Sizes and Densities in the Global Ocean From a 3D Eulerian Model
Using a three-dimensional Eulerian transport model, researchers simulated global ocean distribution of microplastics across different sizes and densities, finding that particle buoyancy and size strongly govern vertical distribution and that significant MP fractions sink to deeper ocean layers.
Eulerian Modeling of the Three‐Dimensional Distribution of Seven Popular Microplastic Types in the Global Ocean
A three-dimensional Eulerian ocean model was used to simulate the global distribution of seven common microplastic types across ocean depths and regions, predicting that most plastic accumulates in subtropical gyres and on the seafloor rather than at the surface. The modeling framework provides a tool for forecasting where plastic pollution will concentrate under different emission scenarios.
Quantifying the influence of size, shape, and density of microplastics on their transport modes: A modeling approach
Researchers developed a computer model that predicts how microplastics of different sizes, shapes, and densities move through ocean water. The model accurately simulates whether particles float on the surface, stay suspended in the water column, or settle to the bottom. Understanding how microplastics travel through marine environments is important for predicting where contamination accumulates and which seafood sources are most likely to be affected.
Influence of Settling/Rising Velocity on the Vertical Distribution of Microplastics in the Marine Environment
Researchers used a three-dimensional Lagrangian dispersion model incorporating mean ocean currents and subgrid-scale turbulence to simulate the vertical distribution of microplastics in marine environments, assigning particles a spectrum of settling and rising velocities reflecting the diversity of microplastic sizes, shapes, and densities. Results showed that using a probability distribution of velocities rather than a single value substantially alters predicted vertical concentration profiles throughout the water column.
On some physical and dynamical properties of microplastic particles in marine environment
This study examined the physical and dynamical properties of microplastic particles in marine environments, using modeling to predict how particle shape, density, and size govern transport, dispersion, and accumulation patterns.