UPSC Articles
Southern Ocean recognised as fifth ocean by National Geographic magazine
Part of: GS Prelims and GS -I – Geography
In news
- Recently, on the occasion of World Ocean Day (8th June), the National Geographic magazine has recognised the ‘Southern Ocean’ as the world’s fifth ocean.
- Other four Oceans are: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans.
About Southern Ocean
- The Southern Ocean is the only ocean ‘to touch three other oceans (Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Ocean).
- It is the only Ocean to completely embrace a continent rather than being embraced by them.
- It is also defined by its Antarctic Circumpolar Current that was formed 34 million years ago.
- The current flows from west to east around Antarctica
Significance of Recognition
- It is a step towards conservation of World’s Oceans, redirecting public awareness onto a region which needs a conservation spotlight.
- Southern Ocean is getting rapidly warmed due to global warming, industrial fishing on species like krill and Patagonian tooth fish.
