Southern Ocean Latest News
Recently, scientists have found the Southern Ocean mitigates global surface warming by taking up a large portion of the carbon released by human activities.
About Southern Ocean
- The Southern Ocean is also known as the Antarctic Ocean, is the fourth-largest ocean by surface area.
- The International Hydrographic Organization describes the Southern Ocean as the World Ocean’s southernmost portion.
- It is located on the lower end of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean, and includes the tributary seas around the Antarctic region.Â
- It is known for its strong winds, intense storms, dramatic seasonal changes and cold temperatures.
- It is dominated by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) which isthe longest, strongest, deepest-reaching current on earth.Â
- Formation: It was formed around 34 million years ago when Antarctica and South America drifted apart, creating the Drake Passage.
- Biodiversity: Powerful currents, cold temperatures and nutrient and oxygen-rich waters make the Southern Ocean one of the most productive marine ecosystems on Earth.
Role of Southern Ocean
- It plays an important role in the circulation of water around the globe.
- It also plays a key role in regulating the earth’s climate through its currents, seasonal sea ice and by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Source: TH
Southern Ocean FAQs
Q1: What is a notable feature of the Southern Ocean?
Ans: Strongest winds and currents
Q2: Which ocean is also known as the Antarctic Ocean?
Ans: Southern Ocean
