Southern Ocean

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. 
• 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. 
• 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.

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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