The Great Pacific Garbage Patch refers to a massive collection of floating debris, primarily consisting of plastic, in the North Pacific Ocean. It is the largest accumulation of ocean plastic in the world and spans an estimated area of 1.6 million square kilometers (617,763 square miles). The garbage patch is formed by ocean currents that converge in the North Pacific Gyre, trapping and concentrating the debris. It poses a significant threat to marine life, as the plastic can be mistaken for food and ingested by animals, leading to severe health consequences.
