The largest ocean gyre is the North Pacific Gyre, which is located in the North Pacific Ocean. This massive system of circulating ocean currents encompasses an area that covers about 10 million square miles, making it the largest of its kind in the world.
The North Pacific Gyre is characterized by its counterclockwise flow, which is driven by the trade winds and the Earth’s rotation. It includes major currents such as the Kuroshio Current, the California Current, and the North Equatorial Current. One of the notable features of this gyre is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a large area where debris has accumulated, drawing attention to issues of marine pollution.
Understanding ocean gyres, especially the North Pacific Gyre, is crucial for studying oceanic processes, marine ecosystems, and the impact of human activities on our oceans.