Which mechanism causes the formation of oceanic 'garbage patches' within subtropical gyres?

💡 Explanation

When surface winds induce Ekman transport, surface water is moved towards the center of subtropical gyres because of the Coriolis effect, leading to convergence and accumulation of buoyant debris like plastics. Therefore Ekman transport concentrates buoyant debris, not subduction, vent plumes, or meltwater, which require different geological or hydrological processes.

• Which geographic effect on regional climate results when a mountain range obstructs prevailing winds?
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• Which mechanism diminishes latent heat transport from tropical streams towards temperate latitudes?
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