Scientists discover deep-sea microplastic hotspots driven by fast-moving underwater avalanches

Scientists discover deep-sea microplastic hotspots driven by fast-moving underwater avalanches

Fast-moving underwater avalanches, known as turbidity currents, are responsible for transporting vast quantities of microplastics into the deep sea, according to new research published today.

Scientists find deep-sea plastic hotspots created by underwater avalanches

Scientists have discovered that powerful underwater avalanches are sweeping huge amounts of microplastics into the deep sea, creating hidden pollution hotspots on the ocean floor. These underwater flows, called turbidity currents, can move at speeds of up to eight meters per second and travel from the continental shelf down to depths of over 3,200 meters. […] The post Scientists find deep-sea plastic hotspots created by underwater avalanches app…

Rapid underwater avalanches, called turbidity currents, are responsible for the transport of large quantities of microplastics in the deep sea, according to new research published today. The results, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology show that these powerful flows could be able to travel at speeds of up to eight metres [...]