A gyre is not just a giant circular ocean current; it is a large system of rotating ocean currents that is primarily driven by the Earth's wind patterns and the Coriolis effect. These currents can span thousands of kilometers and are characterized by a specific flow pattern that forms a circular motion in the water. In the context of the ocean, gyres play a crucial role in regulating climate and weather patterns, as they help distribute heat from the equator to the poles. Additionally, gyres often trap debris and pollutants, leading to the formation of these massive garbage patches, which accumulate waste and affect marine ecosystems. Understanding gyres is essential for addressing the problem of ocean pollution and devising effective cleanup strategies.
But even if they wipe out the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, more trash will await. Four additional giant garbage patches exist in the ocean’s gyres, in the south Pacific, the north and south Atlantic and the Indian Oceans.
Lebreton said those other patches may not contain as much trash as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but they cover areas of similar size.
© NewsHour Productions LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
This is the definition of gyre: a giant circular ocean current.
Based on this definition, add multiple sentences to this passage to help refine the meaning of gyre.
1 answer