Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Manned submersible dives in the northwest South China Sea encountered substantial amounts of plastic litter accumulated at the base of scours along the floor of a submarine canyon, which may associate with the depositional behaviors of turbidity currents. In this study, we conduct numerical simulations using field‐scale bathymetry to investigate the relationship between the canyon floor morphology, flow processes, and the locations and sizes of the plastic litter piles. The consistent deposition pattern caused by the numerical turbidity currents with different input parameters indicate that morphology of the canyon may exert a dominant influence on turbidite deposition. This is attributed to a significant reduction in shear velocity as simulated turbidity currents flowing through the scours on the canyon floor. Spatial correspondence between deposits of turbidity currents and plastic litter accumulation suggests that suspended sediments and plastic may undergo simultaneous dynamic processes during the transportation of turbidity currents.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2024gl110767
Authors: Yuping Yang, Dawei Wang, Benjamin Kneller, Guangfa Zhong, Kaiqi Yu, Minghan Wang, Jingping Xu
Institutions: Southern University of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), University of Aberdeen, Tongji University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, South China Sea Institute Of Oceanology, University College London
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
Awards: G2415900873, G3692473760, G4746791145
OpenAlex ID: W4402700260