Which process limits plastics concentration within an oceanic garbage patch formed by a gyre?

💡 Explanation

When buoyant plastics enter a gyre, biofouling gradually increases their density allowing eventual sinking below detection because microbial growth adds weight. Therefore sinking is the outcome, rather than, wave action which is generally inward, or significant decomposition which is comparably low, or efficient turbulent mixing of lightweight objects.

• Which process limits alluvial plain formation following glacial retreat?
• Which outcome occurs when stress rapidly accumulates along a transform plate boundary below a large artificial reservoir?
• Which risk increases when saturated soil undergoes thaw cycles on a moderate slope in periglacial tundra?
• Which phenomenon causes deflection of large-scale ocean currents influencing global heat distribution through the Coriolis effect?
• Which outcome occurs when volcanic ash flows compact?
• Which mechanism promotes delta formation when a sediment-laden river enters a lake environment?