The math at the basis of information theory could help explain systems like ocean waves
One summer afternoon over twenty years ago, Prof. Gregory Falkovich and his five-year-old son were bathing amidst gentle ripples in shallow ocean waters near Los Angeles, when they were suddenly knocked over by an unexpectedly tall wave, some ten feet high. Though the two were unhurt, Falkovich was understandably shaken, not least because the mass of water had washed away the glasses he needed for the drive back to hotel. But he was also fascinated: A personal encounter with the rare phenomenon known as a rogue, or freak, wave reminded him of the extent to which its origins remain mysterious.
Wind is carrying microplastics to distant, clean parts of the ocean
Microplastics, the tiny bits of plastic that break free from larger items, are making their way to more remote, clear parts of the ocean. According to the new study, these plastic particles are being swept up into the air, where they travel their way to remote areas, eventually settling back into the water and the food supply.
A microplastic is a piece of plastic that measures less than 5mm in diameter many are much smaller, including small plastic fibers that may be invisible to the eye. These particles have become a big ecological concern and may, in time, become a public health matter, too.
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Plastic is blowing in the wind
As the plastic in our oceans breaks up into smaller and smaller bits without breaking down chemically, the resulting microplastics are becoming a serious ecological problem. A new study at the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals a troubling aspect of microplastics - defined as particles smaller than 5 mm across. They are swept up into the atmosphere and carried on the wind to far-flung parts of the ocean, including those that appear to be clear. Analysis reveals that such minuscule fragments can stay airborne for hours or days, spreading the potential to harm the marine environment and, by climbing up the food chain, to affect human health.
Weizmann Institute of Science
The discovery of microplastics in the air above the ocean reveals the spread of this hazardous pollution
As the plastic in our oceans breaks up into smaller and smaller bits without breaking down chemically, the resulting microplastics are becoming a serious ecological problem. A new study at the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals a troubling aspect of microplastics – defined as particles smaller than 5 mm across. They are swept up into the atmosphere and carried on the wind to far-flung parts of the ocean, including those that appear to be clear. Analysis reveals that such minuscule fragments can stay airborne for hours or days, spreading the potential to harm the marine environment and, by climbing up the food chain, to affect human health.