North Atlantic Garbage Patch

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The North Atlantic Garbage Patch is a large accumulation of plastic waste located within the North Atlantic Gyre. This gyre is a system of circulating ocean currents that acts like a giant whirlpool, collecting debris in its center. The patch was first documented in 1972 and has been studied extensively since then. It is estimated to be hundreds of kilometers across, with a density of over 200,000 pieces of debris per square kilometer. The debris primarily consists of microplastics, which are tiny fragments of plastic that can be mistaken for food by marine animals. The North Atlantic Garbage Patch poses significant risks to marine life and ecosystems. Microplastics can be ingested by small marine animals, potentially leading to malnutrition and harm as they move up the food chain. Despite its size and impact, the North Atlantic Garbage Patch has received less attention and cleanup efforts compared to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. However, it remains a critical environmental issue due to its contribution to plastic pollution and its effects on marine biodiversity. The patch's boundaries shift seasonally, and its formation is linked to human waste entering the ocean from rivers and other sources.