Southern ocean
Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean (pronunciation: /ˈsʌðərn ˈoʊʃən/), also known as the Antarctic Ocean or the Austral Ocean, is the fourth largest of the world's five oceans. It is the southernmost ocean, encircling Antarctica.
Etymology
The term "Southern Ocean" is a modern geographical designation. The name was popularized in the 20th century, reflecting the ocean's location in the southern hemisphere. The term "Antarctic Ocean" is derived from Antarctica, the continent it surrounds, which itself is named after the Greek word "antarktikos", meaning "opposite to the north".
Description
The Southern Ocean is unique among the world's oceans for its strong and continuous ocean currents, which circulate around Antarctica. These currents, known as the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, are the largest ocean current system in the world. The Southern Ocean is also known for its harsh weather conditions, with strong winds and high waves.
Related Terms
- Antarctica: The southernmost continent, surrounded by the Southern Ocean.
- Antarctic Circumpolar Current: The ocean current that circulates around Antarctica, driven by strong westerly winds.
- Ocean current: A continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by forces such as wind, temperature, and salinity differences.
- Austral Ocean: Another name for the Southern Ocean, particularly used in some non-English speaking countries.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Southern ocean
- Wikipedia's article - Southern ocean
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