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文件名称：2010 ICM Problem
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更新时间：2013-03-16 04:13:45
2010 ICM Problem
Based on recent scientific expeditions into the Pacific Ocean Gyre (a convergence zone where debris is
accumulating), a wide variety of technical and scientific problems associated with this debris mass are
coming to light. While dumping waste into the ocean is not a new activity, the scientific community’s
realization that much of the debris (plastics, in particular) are accumulating in high densities over a large
area of the Pacific Ocean is new. The scientific community also is learning that this debris creates many
potential threats to marine ecology, and, therefore, to human well-being. Those who study this
accumulation often describe it as plastic soup or confetti.
See: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/09/photogalleries/pacific-garbage-patch-pictures/
This year’s ICM problem uses interdisciplinary modeling to addresses the complex issues stemming from
the presence and accumulation of ocean debris, in order to help researchers and ultimately government
policy makers to understand the severity, range, and potential global impact of the situation.
As modeling advisors to the expedition, your job is to focus on one element of this debris problem, model
and analyze its behavior, and determine its potential effect on marine ecology and the government
policies and practices that should be implemented to ameliorate its negative effects. Be sure to consider
needs for future scientific research and the economic aspects of the problem, and then write a report to
your expedition leader summarizing your findings and proposals for solutions and needed policies