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, 2021, the Society recognised the Southern Ocean as the world’s fifth ocean! By officially naming the ocean, the National Geographic Society hopes to draw attention to the threats from pollution and climate change to the Southern Ocean ecosystem, therefore prompting conservation efforts here.
The US Board of Geographic Names, a federal body created in 1890 to establish and maintain “uniform geographic name usage” through the federal government, already recognizes the Southern ocean as occupying the same territory, but this is the first time the National Geographic has done so.
Attempts to ratify the boundaries and name of the Southern Ocean internationally have been thwarted.
The concept was proposed to the International Hydrographic Organization, which works to ensure the world’s seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and charted, in 2000, but some of the IHO’s 94 members dissented. Despite that, Tait said it was important that the National Geographic christen the water area.
Credit : The Guardian
Picture Credit : Google
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