We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Simulation of Marine Debris Path Using Mathematical Model in the Gulf of Thailand
Summary
Researchers simulated the trajectory of marine debris in the Gulf of Thailand using a coupled Oceanic Model based on Shallow Water Equations and a Lagrangian Particle Tracking model, applying six buoyancy ratio scenarios to a 2020 capsized garbage boat near Koh Samui to predict debris dispersion patterns under combined current and wind forcing.
Marine debris is an important environmental problem that affects aquatic animals, ecosystems, economy, society, and humans. This research aims to simulate the path of marine debris in the Gulf of Thailand using a mathematical model that includes two models: the Oceanic Model (OCM), which is based on the Shallow Water Equations (SWE), and the Lagrangian Particle Tracking (LPT) model. The OCM is the partial derivative equation system solved by the finite difference method to satisfy the Arakawa C-grid and the splitting method. The LPT model includes the current velocity, wind velocity at 10 m above sea level, random walk term, and the buoyancy ratio of marine debris with six cases, which are 100:1, 10:1, 1:1, 0:1, 1:10, and 1:100. The current velocity from OCM is applied to the LPT model. This research uses a garbage boat that capsized near Koh Samui on 1 August 2020 as a case study. The simulated current velocity of OCM is compared with Ocean Surface Current Analyses Real-time (OSCAR) data. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of u-velocity is 0.070 m/s, and that of v-velocity is 0.058 m/s. The simulation of the marine debris’s path from the LPT model demonstrates the movement to Koh Samui, Koh Taen, Koh Wang Nai, Koh Wang Nok, Koh Rap, the east coast of Nakorn Si Thammarat province, Phu Quoc Island of Vietnam and the middle of the Gulf of Thailand with the different buoyancy ratios and time durations.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Numerical Modelling Techniques for Marine Debris : A Systematic Literature Review
This systematic review surveys numerical modeling approaches used to track the fate and transport of marine plastic debris, covering particle tracking models, hydrodynamic simulations, and bibliometric trends. Understanding how plastic moves through ocean systems is critical for identifying pollution hotspots and designing effective cleanup or prevention strategies.
Role of Indian Ocean Dynamics on Accumulation of Buoyant Debris
Researchers used ocean circulation modeling to investigate the role of Indian Ocean dynamics in accumulating buoyant marine plastic debris, examining how Ekman convergence and regional current patterns shape the distribution of floating debris in the Indian Ocean subtropical gyre.
A particle tracking model approach to determine the dispersal of riverine plastic debris released into the Indian Ocean
Researchers developed a particle tracking model to simulate the dispersal of riverine plastic debris released into the Indian Ocean from surrounding landmasses. The study found that plastic accumulation on beaches peaked during monsoon seasons, with ocean currents, wind, and wave action driving distinct transport patterns, providing valuable data for identifying high-risk coastal areas and informing cleanup strategies.
Material and debris transport patterns in Moreton Bay, Australia: The influence of Lagrangian coherent structures
Researchers applied Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) — mathematical tools that map invisible transport barriers in fluid flow — to predict the fate of floating marine debris in Moreton Bay, Australia, showing that wind and islands significantly redirect debris pathways and that LCS can guide practical marine litter management.
Simulation of microplastic transport and dispersion based on a three-dimensional hydrodynamic particle-tracking model in the Beibu Gulf
Researchers developed a three-dimensional hydrodynamic particle-tracking model of microplastic transport in the semi-enclosed Beibu Gulf, finding that monsoon-driven circulation controls dispersal patterns, with microplastics dispersing up to 205 km in spring and storm surges such as Typhoon Yagi significantly intensifying transport and expanding nearshore high-concentration zones.