WHOI PO

Erik van Sebille, Utrecht University, (in-person) - Whose plastic is that? Combining ocean physics with Bayesian inference to track marine plastic pollution
Date Time Location
June 18th, 2024 3:05pm-4:05pm Clark 201

Title: Whose plastic is that? Combining ocean physics withBayesian inference to track marine plastic pollution

Abstract: 

The world's ocean currents can transport materiallike plastic over vast scales, connecting waste generated on one continent toimpacts on another. Yet, it seems most plastic pollution found at anyparticular location is relatively local, often originating from within the samecountry. Effective policies to reduce the impact of plastic pollution requireknowledge of whose plastic ends up where.

In this seminar, I will present some recent work onusing a Bayesian framework to analyze the sources of plastics found on beachesaround the world. The input to this analysis comes from Lagrangian oceananalysis simulations with the OceanParcels.org tool, which I will alsoshowcase. I will discuss how we develop new parameterizations for subgrid-scaletransport processes of floating plastic items; and compare theseparameterizations to field and lab measurements.

 

Short Bio: 

Erik van Sebille is professor of oceanography andpublic engagement at Utrecht University. He investigates how ocean currentsmove 'stuff' around. He is the lead developer of the open-sourceOceanParcels.org code for Lagrangian Ocean Analysis. He is co-author of thetextbook 'Ocean Currents - Physical Drivers in a Changing World' with ProfessorRobert Marsh. He led the European Research Council Starting Grant project'Tracking Of Plastics in Our Seas' and is now starting up a new project'Tracing Marine Macroplastics by Unraveling the Ocean’s Multiscale TransportProcesses'. In parallel to his ongoing work in physical oceanography, he hasrecently started a new research team on how scientists can be effective andinclusive in their communication and engagement with society, specifically onthe climate crisis.