Tara Mediterranean Expedition Plastic Pollution Survey

Plastic fragments were found in every one of the 2000 water samples collected from 350 distinct sites during the 2014 Tara Mediterranean expedition. This dataset documents the schooner's survey of plastic interactions with plankton and broader biodiversity. It is hosted by NASA and originates from the expedition's scientific activities.

Use Cases

• Mapping plastic fragment concentration across 350 Mediterranean sampling sites.
• Analyzing correlations between plastic pollution and local plankton biodiversity.
• Studying spatial patterns of marine debris originating from land-based sources.
• Modeling the interaction of plastic pollutants with ocean chemistry and temperature.

Strengths

• Dataset is based on a systematic survey of 2000 physical samples.
• Findings are spatially detailed, covering 350 distinct sites in the Mediterranean.
• Cross-platform presence on NASA and government portals indicates recognized importance.

Limitations

• Core column names and specific data structure are unknown from all sources.
• Exact row count, file size, and detailed license terms are not provided.
• Author and precise collection methodology are not specified in the metadata.

Provenance

Source

Tara Mediterranean expedition, hosted by National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Collection Method

Physical water sampling during a 2014 schooner expedition across the Mediterranean Sea.

Time Range

2014

Freshness

2026-03-12 21:05:21.835584

Geography

Mediterranean Sea