Also called "the horse latitudes"

The Sargasso Sea is a region in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by ocean currents. It is bounded on the west by the Gulf Stream; on the north, by the North Atlantic Current; on the east, by the Canary Current; and on the south, by the North Atlantic Equatorial Current. This system of currents forms the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. All the currents deposit the marine plants and garbage they carry into this sea.

The Sargasso Sea is 700 statute miles wide and 2,000 statute miles long (1,100 km wide and 3,200 km long). It stretches from roughly 70 degrees west to 40 degrees west, and from 25 degrees north to 35 degrees north. Bermuda is near the western fringes of the sea. The Sargasso Sea is the only "sea" without shores. The ocean water in the Sargasso Sea is distinctive for its deep blue color and exceptional clarity, with underwater visibility of up to 2,000 feet (610 m).

5/17/2011 3:29:00 PM

WAIT

































THERE'S BEEN A SLAUGHTER HERE

5/17/2011 3:30:04 PM

All our ocean trash gravitates there and it's still super clear water.

5/17/2011 3:31:00 PM

5/17/2011 3:31:08 PM

^^

On the other side, there's a large area (of varying report-- ranging from texas sized to continental US-sized) where global trash gathers in the pacific ocean.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pacific_Garbage_Patch

5/17/2011 4:02:59 PM

^ I heard that the Pacific patch has been overhyped and isn't that impressive. Basically, all of the trash is broken down into very small pieces, and while higher in density than in other places in the ocean, it isn't that noticeable if look at it.

5/17/2011 4:04:55 PM