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.
