As the March 2011
tsunami that struck Japan receded from land, it took with it debris and materials that are currently part of a massive debris field in the Pacific Ocean. Models run by researchers at the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Hawaii’s
International Pacific Research Center (IPRC) indicate that debris could wash ashore or pass by the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in spring 2012, near the United States’ western coastline in 2013, and return to Hawaii between 2014 and 2016. The exact location and date of landfall is unknown as there are many variables affecting the debris’ movement such as ocean currents and winds. The map below shows the IPRC’s model of Japan tsunami debris movement over time.
According to NOAA, the debris field will likely break up and disperse as it moves with the ocean currents. Pieces of debris may also break off or sink. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is also
monitoring radioactivity from the tsunami and earthquake.
