Tracing the journey of microplastics at sea

Despite the large amount of plastic waste that’s dumped into the oceans every year, relatively few tiny plastic pieces are found floating at the water’s surface. Leif Thomas, professor of Earth system science, and postdoctoral scholar Jinliang Liu will research why pieces under 5 millimeters, known as microplastics, disappear from the sea surface. Through advanced computer simulations, Thomas and Liu will trace the physical and biological processes that contribute to the transport of microplastics from surface to depth, especially where ocean currents converge and plastics accumulate. By illuminating distribution pathways, this project will take an essential step toward tackling marine plastic pollution.