We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Fate of microplastics and mesoplastics carried by surface currents and wind waves: A numerical model approach in the Sea of Japan
AI summary Read the abstract
A particle-tracking ocean model for the Sea of Japan showed that surface currents, wind waves, and Stokes drift all influence the distribution of floating microplastics, with model outputs matching field survey data. The study demonstrates the value of combining wave dynamics with current models to predict where microplastics accumulate in coastal seas.
A numerical model was established to reproduce the oceanic transport processes of microplastics and mesoplastics in the Sea of Japan. A particle tracking model, where surface ocean currents were given by a combination of a reanalysis ocean current product and Stokes drift computed separately by a wave model, simulated particle movement. The model results corresponded with the field survey. Modeled results indicated the micro- and mesoplastics are moved northeastward by the Tsushima Current. Subsequently, Stokes drift selectively moves mesoplastics during winter toward the Japanese coast, resulting in increased contributions of mesoplastics south of 39°N. Additionally, Stokes drift also transports micro- and mesoplastics out to the sea area south of the subpolar front where the northeastward Tsushima Current carries them into the open ocean via the Tsugaru and Soya straits. Average transit time of modeled particles in the Sea of Japan is drastically reduced when including Stokes drift in the model.
More Papers Like This
Numerical modelling of the transport of microplastics in a wind-wave flume
AI summary Read the abstract
A combination of wave flume experiments and numerical modeling was used to track how microplastics move through nearshore waters under wave and wind conditions. The study found that wave-driven processes significantly affect the transport and deposition of microplastics in coastal zones, which act as both sources and sinks for ocean plastic. Improved models incorporating wave dynamics are needed to accurately predict where coastal microplastics end up.
Impacts of wind forcing on microplastics kinematic in a sensitive water area
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers modeled how wind forcing affects the movement and distribution of microplastics in a sensitive coastal water area, finding that wind-driven surface currents are a dominant control on where microplastics accumulate. The model predicts substantial wind-driven concentration at specific coastal zones.
Influence of waves on the three-dimensional distribution of plastic in the ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers modeled the trajectories of microplastic particles released continuously from coastal sources across realistic ocean simulations to understand how wave dynamics and ocean circulation distribute plastic pollution globally. The model showed that wave-driven mixing significantly influences vertical plastic distribution, not just horizontal surface drift. Including wave effects improves predictions of where ocean microplastics accumulate.
Sea Waves Transport of Inertial Micro-Plastics: Mathematical Model and Applications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a mathematical model for how sea waves affect the movement of inertial microplastics in the ocean, calculating how particle size and density influence their trajectories under wave forcing. Better models of wave-driven plastic transport are needed to predict where microplastics accumulate in ocean surface waters.
The Role of Stokes Drift in the Dispersal of North Atlantic Surface Marine Debris
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers modeled the dispersal of floating marine debris in the North Atlantic using particle tracking models, finding that Stokes drift — wave-driven surface water transport — substantially accelerated beaching timescales and altered coastal accumulation patterns compared to models using Eulerian currents alone.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.