Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 15 hrs ago
Pacific waters appear to be getting bluer and greener, study finds
Some waters in the Pacific Garbage Patch grew brighter in blue and green light between 2002 and 2022, a study found.
Researchers at the University of Bergen analyzed three satellite datasets covering the northeastern Pacific to track changes in ocean color.
The change may signal rising concentrations of tiny plastic particles, which can affect how sunlight reflects from seawater.
Their model found that satellites could detect the color shift when microplastic levels reached about five milligrams per cubic meter of seawater.
The color change is not proof of more microplastics, and the satellite datasets did not agree on how much the waters had changed; natural conditions can also affect ocean color.
Researchers say direct measurements near the garbage patch are needed to confirm the findings and improve future monitoring.
Satellite data show that parts of the northeastern Pacific, including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and nearby waters, became brighter in blue and green light between 2002 and 2022.
Researchers say the change may make the water look more cyan and could be linked to rising microplastic concentrations.
Models found that microplastics can increase brightness across the visible spectrum, with the largest increase in cyan.
The researchers say direct measurements are needed to confirm the findings, and note that satellite datasets differ in their estimates.
- Who
- Researchers including Shea Cheatham of the University of Bergen.
- What
- Satellite data show parts of the Pacific became brighter in blue and green light; researchers say rising microplastic concentrations may be responsible.
- When
- The satellite data cover 2002 to 2022. The study was reported on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- The northeastern Pacific, including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and nearby waters.
- Why
- The change may be linked to increased microplastic concentrations, though direct measurements are needed to confirm this.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers analyzed three satellite ocean-colour datasets covering the northeastern Pacific.
In-situ measurements indicated that larger microplastics in near-surface waters of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch may have exceeded 17 milligrams per cubic metre.
China News Service reported on the study, published in Communications Earth & Environment.
- Study period
- 2002–2022
- Satellite datasets
- Three
- Modelled cyan brightening frequency with microplastics
- 13%
- Modelled cyan brightening frequency with natural factors alone
- 3%
- Detectable microplastic concentration
- About 5 milligrams per cubic metre of seawater