Influence of waves on the three-dimensional distribution of plastic in the ocean.

The world's oceans are facing plastic pollution, 80 % of which of terrestrial origin flowing from the mismanaged waste of coastal populations and from river discharge. To study the fate of this pollution, the three-dimensional trajectories of neutral plastic particles continuously released for 24 years according to realistic source scenarios are computed using currents from a global ocean-wave coupled model at 14 resolution and from a reference ocean-only model. These Lagrangian simulations show that neutral particles accumulate at the surface in the subtropical convergence zones from where they penetrate to about 250 m depth and strongly disperse over 40 of latitude.

Fate of floating plastic debris released along the coasts in a global ocean model.

Marine plastic pollution is a global issue, from the shores to the open ocean. Understanding the pathway and fate of plastic debris is fundamental to manage and reduce plastic pollution. Here, the fate of floating plastic pollution discharged along the coasts is studied by comparing two sources, one based on river discharges and the other on mismanaged waste from coastal populations, using a Lagrangian numerical analysis in a global ocean circulation model.

Large impact of Stokes drift on the fate of surface floating debris in the South Indian Basin.

In the open ocean, floating surface debris such as plastics concentrate in five main accumulation zones centered around 30° latitude, far from highly turbulent areas. Using Lagrangian advection of numerical particles by surface currents from ocean model reanalysis, previous studies have shown long-distance connection from the accumulation zones of the South Indian to the South Pacific oceans. An important physical process affecting surface particles but missing in such analyses is wave-induced Stokes drift.

Iron from a submarine source impacts the productive layer of the Western Tropical South Pacific (WTSP).

In the Western Tropical South Pacific, patches of high chlorophyll concentrations linked to the occurrence of N-fixing organisms are found in the vicinity of volcanic islands. The survival of these organisms relies on a high bioavailable iron supply whose origin and fluxes remain unknown. Here, we measured high dissolved iron (DFe) concentrations (up to 66 nM) in the euphotic layer, extending zonally over 10 degrees longitude (174 E-175 W) at ∼20°S latitude.

Tracking the origins of plastic debris across the Coral Sea: A case study from the Ouvéa Island, New Caledonia.

Contamination of the marine environment by human-made plastic litter is a growing and global problem. Our study attempts to explain the presence of two plastic bottles beached on the Ouvéa Island, in the southwest Pacific Ocean, with trademarks from the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG). We simulate the oceanic drift tracks and associated transit times with a Lagrangian interpretation of the surface currents of a high-resolution ocean model.

Thai traditional massage: efficiency-assessment of three traditional massage methods on office workers: an explorative study.

Thai Traditional Massage (TTM) is popular and widely spread in Thailand. This project is aimed at studying the physiological efficiency of three popular TTM methods based on acupressure Meridian basal lines: the Sen Sib(SS) ten lines, Ratchsamnak (RS), Royal style; and Chaloeysak (CS), Folk style. Thirty healthy female administrative employees participated as patients.

Musculoskeletal disorders: a new approach.

Musculoskeletal disorders are still a major problem in daily occupational life. Despite the high incidence rates and important consequences for employees, employers and society, efficient preventive strategies seem to fail in efficiency. The reason may be found in approaching the issue via the classic post-factum analysis.

Observed impact of upwelling events on water properties and biological activity off the southwest coast of New Caledonia.

The upwelling events that follow strong trade wind episodes have been described in terms of their remarkable signature in the sea surface temperature southwest off New Caledonia. Upwelling brings deeper, and colder waters to the surface, causing 2-4 degrees C drops in temperature in a few hours, followed by a slower relaxation over several days. Upwelling may sporadically bring nutrients to the surface under certain conditions, and increase the biological productivity.