Ocean gyres

The Ocean Gyres are vast systems of circular ocean currents, formed by the combined action of prevailing winds, Earth’s rotation, and the presence of continents. The five major gyres are located in the North and South Pacific, the North and South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean. These systems contribute to the functioning of the so‑called “ocean conveyor belt” (or thermohaline circulation), which regulates temperature, salinity, and nutrient flow on a global scale. Their closed structure, however, also leads to the accumulation of floating materials, such as plastic, creating zones where marine debris concentrates.