southern Ocean

Southern Ocean Overview.

Southern Ocean overview  what is google map

The Southern Ocean is the ocean that surrounds Antarctica and is also known as the Antarctic Ocean. It is the smallest and the youngest of the world's oceans, having been defined by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 2000.

The Southern Ocean is located south of the 60th parallel and is bounded by the coastlines of Antarctica, South America, South Africa, and Australia. It covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and has a volume of around 71 million cubic kilometers. The ocean's surface area is about 35 million square kilometers.

The Southern Ocean is characterized by strong and persistent westerly winds and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which is the only current that flows completely around the Earth. The ocean is known for its unique and diverse marine life, including penguins, seals, whales, and various types of fish.queenraj blogger

The Southern Ocean plays a critical role in global climate and ocean circulation, as it is a major sink for carbon dioxide and heat. It also serves as an important area for scientific research, particularly in the study of climate change and the ocean's role in regulating global temperatures. However, the Southern Ocean is facing increasing environmental challenges, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution, which threaten its fragile ecosystems.

shape of southern Ocean--

The shape of the Southern Ocean can be described as roughly circular or elliptical, with Antarctica as its center. The Southern Ocean is sometimes also referred to as the Antarctic Ocean, as it surrounds the continent of Antarctica. Its boundaries are somewhat debatable, but it is generally considered to be the body of water that lies south of 60 degrees south latitude, and is bounded by the coastlines of South America, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. The Southern Ocean is the smallest and youngest of the world's oceans, having only been recognized as a distinct body of water in the early 21st century.

Depth of southern Ocean--The Southern Ocean has an average depth of about 3,270 meters (10,728 feet). The deepest point in the Southern Ocean is the South Sandwich Trench, which has a maximum depth of approximately 7,235 meters (23,737 feet). However, the exact depth can vary in different areas of the Southern Ocean, as the ocean floor is not uniformly flat and can have ridges, seamounts, and other geological features.

Surface of southern Ocean--

The Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, is the body of water that surrounds Antarctica and is generally considered to be the southernmost parts of the world's oceans.Pacific Ocean

The exact surface area of the Southern Ocean can vary depending on how it is defined, but according to the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the Southern Ocean has an area of approximately 20.33 million square kilometers (7.85 million square miles).

This includes all the water below 60 degrees South latitude, which is the official boundary of the ocean according to the IHO. However, some sources may include a wider area, encompassing parts of the South Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, resulting in a larger surface area.

Southern Ocean coast---

The Southern Ocean is the body of water that surrounds the continent of Antarctica, and it does not have a specific coast as it is an open ocean. However, there are several countries that have coastal areas along the Southern Ocean, including:

1. Australia: The southern coast of Australia faces the Southern Ocean, including the Great Australian Bight, which is a large open bay.Atlantic Ocean

2. New Zealand: The southern coast of New Zealand faces the Southern Ocean, including the Foveaux Strait, which separates the South Island from Stewart Island.

3. South Africa: The southern coast of South Africa faces the Southern Ocean, including the Cape of Good Hope, which is the southernmost point of the African continent.

4. Argentina: The southern coast of Argentina faces the Southern Ocean, including Tierra del Fuego, which is an archipelago at the southern tip of South America.

5. Chile: The southern coast of Chile faces the Southern Ocean, including Cape Horn, which is the southernmost point of the South American continent.

These coastal areas can experience extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and large waves, due to the Southern Ocean's location and exposure to the westerly winds.               

.Rivers fall in southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean or the Austral Ocean, surrounds the continent of Antarctica and extends northward to the 60th parallel. It is the world's smallest and youngest ocean, having formed around 30 million years ago. There are several rivers that flow into the Southern Ocean, including:

1.Murray River: The Murray River is Australia's longest river, stretching over 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) from its source in the Australian Alps to its mouth at Lake Alexandrina on the southern coast of Australia. The river discharges into the Southern Ocean via a network of channels and lagoons at the Murray Mouth.

2.Derwent River: The Derwent River is a major river in Tasmania, Australia. It flows southwards for over 200 kilometers (124 miles) from its source in Lake St Clair to its mouth at Storm Bay on the southern coast of Tasmania, which opens into the Southern Ocean.

3.Waikato River: The Waikato River is New Zealand's longest river, stretching over 425 kilometers (264 miles) from its source in Lake Taupo to the Tasman Sea. The river flows into the Firth of Thames, which is an arm of the Southern Ocean.

4.Clutha River: The Clutha River is the second longest river in New Zealand, flowing over 340 kilometers (211 miles) from its source in the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. The river's mouth is located at the town of Balclutha on the southern coast of New Zealand, which opens into the Southern Ocean.

5.Onyx River: The Onyx River is a short river on the continent of Antarctica, flowing only 32 kilometers (20 miles) from its source in the Wright Lower Glacier to its mouth at Lake Vanda, which is a closed basin located near the coast of the Ross Sea, a marginal sea of the Southern Ocean.

southern Ocean continents & countries-

The Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica and does not have any continents or countries bordering it. However, several countries have territorial claims on Antarctica, which is located within the Southern Ocean. These include:

1. Australia
2. France
3. New Zealand
4. Norway
5. United Kingdom
6. Chile
7. Argentina

However, it is important to note that these territorial claims are not universally recognized and are subject to ongoing disputes. Additionally, the Antarctic Treaty System, which came into effect in 1961, governs the use of Antarctica and designates it as a scientific preserve.. 

Southern Ocean length--The Southern Ocean is the smallest of the world's oceans and is also known as the Antarctic Ocean. Its length is approximately 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles), stretching from the coast of Antarctica to 60 degrees south latitude. The exact length of the Southern Ocean is somewhat difficult to determine due to its irregular shape and the fact that its northern boundary is not well-defined, but this estimate is generally accepted by most experts in the field.

velocity of southern Ocean--

The velocity of the Southern Ocean can vary greatly depending on the location, depth, and time of year. The Southern Ocean is known for its strong and variable currents, which are driven by a combination of winds, tides, and ocean circulation patterns.

One of the most well-known currents in the Southern Ocean is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), which flows from west to east around Antarctica. The ACC is the strongest current in the world ocean and has an average velocity of around 150-200 cm/s (0.5-0.7 mph) at the surface.

However, the velocity of the ACC can vary greatly depending on the location and depth. At depths below 1000 meters (3281 feet), the velocity of the ACC can reach up to 400 cm/s (1.3 mph) in some areas.

In addition to the ACC, there are also other currents in the Southern Ocean, such as the Weddell Sea Gyre and the East Antarctic Current, which have their own unique velocities and patterns of movement.

Overall, the velocity of the Southern Ocean is complex and highly variable, and is still being studied and understood by oceanographers and climate scientists.

southern Ocean temprature--

The temperature of the Southern Ocean varies depending on the location and time of year. Generally, the Southern Ocean is colder than other oceans because it is located in the high latitudes of the southern hemisphere and is influenced by cold polar winds and currents.

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average sea surface temperature in the Southern Ocean ranges from about -2°C (28°F) in winter to about 5°C (41°F) in summer. However, temperatures can vary widely depending on location and can be affected by factors such as ocean currents and winds.

In addition to surface temperatures, the Southern Ocean also has a deep layer of cold, dense water that is formed through a process called Antarctic Bottom Water formation. This water can have temperatures as low as -1.8°C (28.8°F) and plays an important role in the global ocean circulation.

commercial use of southern Ocean---

The Southern Ocean is a vast and largely unexplored region of the world's oceans. It surrounds the continent of Antarctica and is home to a diverse range of marine life, including many species of whales, seals, and penguins. The Southern Ocean is also a crucial area for global climate regulation and ocean circulation.

Commercial use of the Southern Ocean is regulated by international agreements, including the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These agreements aim to ensure the sustainable use of the ocean's resources while protecting its unique ecosystem and biodiversity.

Commercial activities in the Southern Ocean include fishing, shipping, and tourism. Fishing is the most significant commercial activity in the region, with fishing vessels targeting krill, toothfish, and other species. However, fishing is strictly regulated by CCAMLR, which sets catch limits and monitors fishing activity to ensure that it is sustainable.

Shipping is also an important commercial activity in the Southern Ocean, with vessels transporting goods and supplies to research stations and other facilities in the region. However, shipping is subject to strict regulations to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Tourism is a growing industry in the Southern Ocean, with tourists visiting the region to see its unique wildlife and landscapes. However, tourism is also subject to strict regulations to minimize its impact on the environment and wildlife.

In conclusion, commercial use of the Southern Ocean is carefully regulated to ensure that it is sustainable and does not harm the unique ecosystem and biodiversity of the region. The international agreements governing commercial activities in the Southern Ocean are essential to protecting this fragile and important part of the world's oceans.

Colour of southern Ocean--The Southern Ocean is usually described as having a deep blue color. However, the color of the ocean can vary depending on factors such as the angle of the sun, cloud cover, and the presence of phytoplankton or other marine organisms. In some areas, the Southern Ocean may also have a greenish hue due to the presence of microscopic algae called phytoplankton. Overall, the color of the Southern Ocean can be quite striking and beautiful, especially in areas where icebergs are present and the water appears a bright, icy blue.

Difficult Ocean conditions--

Why is the ocean condition difficult in the southern sea (south of cape horn)?

The ocean conditions in the Southern Sea, also known as the Southern Ocean, are notoriously difficult due to a combination of several factors.

Firstly, the Southern Sea is located at a very high latitude, which means it is subject to extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, storms, and waves. In particular, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which flows around the continent of Antarctica, contributes to some of the strongest and most treacherous ocean currents in the world.

Secondly, the Southern Sea is largely unobstructed by land masses, which means that the waves are able to build up to enormous sizes over long distances, resulting in very rough seas. The area is also known for its large icebergs, which can pose a significant hazard to ships.

Thirdly, the water temperature in the Southern Sea is very cold, often close to freezing point. This means that the ocean is very dense, which can create difficult conditions for ships to navigate through.

All of these factors combine to make the Southern Sea a challenging environment for sailors and ship operators. In particular, the combination of high winds, extreme waves, and low temperatures can create dangerous conditions for ships, which require careful navigation and preparation to ensure safe passage.

Southern Ocean recognition-- Southern Ocean was officially recognized as the Earth's fifth ocean by the International Hydrographic Organization in 2000, although the concept of a distinct southern ocean has been recognized by scientists and explorers for centuries.

Disclaimer--The above blog is related to the Southern Ocean and contains various multimedia content. I have curated and presented it before you.