The Southern Ocean, a body of water encircling the Antarctic region, is the fourth largest ocean in the world. Despite its prominence, the Southern Ocean is a subject of debate among cartographers and geographers, with some questioning its existence. Nonetheless, it is an ocean teeming with unique characteristics and a rich diversity of life. Here are 10 Southern Ocean facts you might not know.
| The Southern Ocean is the youngest of the world's oceans, officially recognized in the year 2000. |
| It is the only ocean to be named after a compass direction rather than a geographic location. |
| The Southern Ocean is home to unique species like the Emperor Penguin and the Antarctic krill. |
| It plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by driving the global conveyor belt of ocean currents. |
| The Southern Ocean's waters are the coldest of any ocean, averaging around -1.8°C (28.8°F). |
| It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean Current, which helps isolate it from other oceans. |
| The Southern Ocean is the most biologically productive ocean, thanks to its nutrient-rich waters. |
| The ocean has a significant impact on weather patterns, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. |
| The Southern Ocean's boundaries are defined by the Antarctic Convergence, where cold, northward-flowing waters meet warmer, southward-flowing waters. |
| It is also known as the Antarctic Ocean and the Austral Ocean. |
Geographic Location and Existence
Positioned at the planet’s southernmost point is the Southern Ocean, sometimes called the Antarctic Ocean. Its waters are found south of the 60-degrees-south latitude. However, its existence has been a contentious issue since the late 18th century. Some cartographers believe the Southern Ocean is merely an extension of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Accordingly, the Southern Ocean’s boundaries are not clearly defined despite efforts from the international community to establish them.
Size and Drifting Nature
The Southern Ocean, with an area of about 7.8 million square miles, is the world’s fourth-largest ocean. Intriguingly, the size of the Southern Ocean is not fixed, as it is believed to be drifting a few inches each year. This drifting is thought to be caused by the spreading of the seafloor, but this theory has not been conclusively proven.
Unique Geology and Hydrology
About 30 million years ago, the Southern Ocean was formed when the Drake Passage was created due to the separation of South America and Antarctica. According to geological standards, this means that the Southern Ocean is the most youthful ocean in the world. In addition, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current makes the Southern Ocean’s water move quickly around Antarctica, giving it a unique characteristic compared to other oceans.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Given its proximity to the South Pole, the Southern Ocean experiences extremely harsh weather conditions. Extremely low sea temperatures—anything from -2 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius—rarely go above freezing.
Depth and Natural Resources
At depths of 13,000 to 16,000 feet, the vast bulk of the Southern Ocean lies. The deepest point in the Southern Ocean, at 23,740 feet, is the South Sandwich Trench. Scientists think there are huge mineral deposits (including gold and manganese nodules) and petroleum and natural gas beneath its waters.
Gigantic Icebergs
The Southern Ocean is known for its gigantic icebergs due to its proximity to the South Pole. These icebergs contain significant amounts of freshwater, which could provide enough water for the world’s population for several months. However, these icebergs pose a considerable risk to ships navigating the Southern Ocean.
Subdivisions
According to the International Hydrographic Organization, the Southern Ocean is made up of 17 subdivisions. These include the Bransfield Strait, the Drake Passage, the Bellingshausen Sea, and the Weddell Sea, among others.
Rich Biodiversity
Despite the cold, the Southern Ocean is a haven for many marine species. Marine mammals such as orcas, leopard seals, Antarctic fur seals, and the largest animal in history—the blue whale—call this area home. The Southern Ocean also hosts a variety of bird species, including several species of penguins, albatrosses, terns, and gulls.
Ports and Harbors
Although located in one of the most remote regions of the earth, the Southern Ocean has several ports and harbors. Some of the major ports include the Mawson Station, the Palmer Station, and the Rothera Station.
Environmental Concerns
The Southern Ocean faces several environmental challenges. The primary productivity of phytoplankton has declined by around 15%, which is alarming as phytoplankton is the main food source for krill, a keystone species of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. Moreover, increased solar radiation due to an ozone hole in Antarctica has led to alterations in the DNA of some fish species.
Related FAQs
What is the Southern Ocean?
Surrounding Antarctica is the fourth-largest ocean in the world, the Southern Ocean.
Is the existence of the Southern Ocean disputed?
Yes, some cartographers and geographers believe that the Southern Ocean is simply an extension of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
What makes the Southern Ocean unique?
The Southern Ocean’s unique features include its Antarctic Circumpolar Current, extreme weather conditions, and rich biodiversity.
What are the environmental concerns linked to the Southern Ocean?
Key environmental concerns include a decline in phytoplankton productivity, genetic alterations in some fish species due to increased solar radiation, and threats from overfishing and climate change.
What marine animals are found in the Southern Ocean?
Many marine species call the Southern Ocean home. Among them are leopard seals, Antarctic fur seals, blue whales, and orcas. A number of penguin species call this area home as well.
