Japan's Tsunami Waste to Hit U.S.?

By Admin
Out of the 20 million to 25 million tons of debris generated by the magnitude-9 earthquake that hit Japan last March, some 3 million to 4 million tons...

 

Out of the 20 million to 25 million tons of debris generated by the magnitude-9 earthquake that hit Japan last March, some 3 million to 4 million tons of debris made it into the ocean. Scientists believe the currents will carry some of the waste objects—from lumber to refrigerators and other trash—across the Pacific toward the U.S.

One to 5 percent of the 1 million to 2 million tons of waste left in the ocean is expected to hit Hawaii, Alaska, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, according to University of Hawaii senior researcher and ocean current expert Nikolai Maximenko. He'll be discussing his latest estimates further at a news conference held today.

SEE OTHER TOP STORIES IN THE ENERGY DIGITAL CONTENT NETWORK

Green Float: Floating Cities by 2025?

Turn Waste into Energy: the Win-Win-Win Solution

February's issue of Energy Digital has gone live!

Although computer models created by the University of Hawaii were expected to help predict the spread of debris from Japan to other areas, the area of dispersion is so large that it has become difficult to rely on satellite imagery to track it.

Residents in Canada have already reported signs of smaller debris.

 
Share

Featured Articles

Digital technology enables industry’s to improve efficiency

Tuomo Hoysniemi, President, Drive Products at ABB explains how digital technology can help cut costs and increase efficiencies by smart decision-making

From carbon to clean: The global energy transition

Navigating the complex energy transition is crucial to combat climate change. Stakeholders must collaborate to bridge the gap in expectation and reality

Formula 1 meets biofuel as DHL enables sustainable logistics

Introducing bio-fuelled trucks to the Formula 1 World Championship is a major step in decarbonising motorsport and a triumph for logistics firms DHL

The true definition and benefits of a smart city

Smart Energy

Global renewable energy investment to battle the oil sector

Renewable Energy

Energy cyber threats: what are the motives for disruption?

Technology & AI