If we asked you how many oceans there are in the world, you would tell “Five” in a wink and may even go ahead listing them the Atlantic Pacific Indian, Arctic and the Southern Oceans We all know the icy waters surrounding Antarctica have long been recognised as a distinct ocean by scientists, the media and people across many countries. While many called this region the Southern Ocean, some scientists called it the Antarctic Ocean, or the Austral Ocean
But it had not been given a name by the National Geographic Society, a non-profit scientific and educational organisation whose mapping standards are referenced by atlases and cartographers. Since the National Geographic began making maps in 1915, it had recognised only four oceans. It was only on June 8 this year. World Oceans Day, the Society recognised the Southern Ocean as the world’s fifth ocean!
According to the National Georgraphic, the decision had been long in the making. They declared that the Southern Ocean was not just an extension of the Pacific. Atlantic, and the Indian Oceans, but also had unique characteristics required to deserve its own name.
Coverage
Unlike the other oceans, the boundaries of the Southern Ocean are not defined by the surrounding continents. So, the extent of the Southern Ocean is determined by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)-the Earth’s longest and strongest oceanic current. The Southern Ocean stretches from the Antarctic continent to the line of latitude at 60° south, which marks the approximate edge of the ACC
What’s unique?
- The waters of the Southern Ocean are colder and less saltier than the ocean waters in the north.
- The ocean provides a unique habitat for thousands of marine species, including whales, penguins, and seals.
- The ocean’s ecosystem thrives on the huge numbers of the Antarctic krill. These tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans may be at the bottom of the food chain, but they are one of the most important animals in the Southern Ocean. Many of the animals in the Southern Ocean either eat krill, or the animals that eat krill.
- The ACC impacts Earth’s climate. The powerful current, which draws in water from the Atlantic Pacific, and the Indian Oceans, acts like a conveyor belt distributing heat around the planet.
Why now?
The National Geographic Society recognises the threats from pollution and climate change to the Southern Ocean ecosystem. By officially naming the ocean, it hopes to draw attention to it, therefore prompting conservation efforts here
However..
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), an intergovemmental organisation which tracks and charts global seas and oceans, has not agreed on a name and extent of this fifth ocean region.
Picture Credit : Google
