Final answer:
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch occurs due to the North Pacific Gyre, which concentrates debris in the Pacific Ocean. Ocean currents and the rotational movement of the Earth help create these gyres, where trash accumulates and harms marine life. Reducing pollution and improving waste management are essential steps toward addressing this issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch forms mainly because of the ocean currents that create a convergence zone in the Pacific Ocean. These currents, along with the rotational movement of the Earth, create gyres, which are large systems of circulating ocean currents, that act like a vortex pulling debris into a central location. The Pacific Ocean has a propensity for such phenomena due to the existence of the North Pacific Gyre, one of the five major ocean gyres. The central location within this gyre accumulates and traps floating plastic debris and other waste materials, leading to the creation of the garbage patch.
Unfortunately, the ocean has been used as a dumping ground by humans, leading to adverse effects on marine life and ecosystems. Floating trash can strangle or be ingested by marine animals, causing harm or death. This type of pollution affects not only the Pacific Ocean but all the world's oceans, leading to areas with concentrated waste, dead zones, and the destruction of habitats.
Addressing this global issue requires a multipronged approach, including reducing dependency on single-use plastics, improving waste management practices, and international cooperation to protect marine environments and ensure the long-term health of the oceans.