The waters surrounding Antarctica are now officially the Southern Ocean.
The renowned publicationNational Geographichad a special way to commemorate this important holiday.
The companywhich has been a leading mapmaker since 1915announced that it will now recognize the world’s fifth ocean.
The waters surrounding Antarctica are now officially the Southern Ocean. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom DEMAMIEL62/Shutterstock)
TheSouthern Oceanincludes the frigid waters around Antarctica.
Its official recognition and inclusion on maps is a step towards recognizing the unique importance of this region.
The waters around Antarctica have been known as the Southern Ocean for years but has lacked official designation.
Map of the Antarctic with the new sea protection area in the Ross Sea. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom RAINER LESNIEWSKI/Shutterstock)
Scientists have long noted the cold temperatures and the unique sea life in the region surrounding the southernmost continent.
These are just some characteristics of the waters through which the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) flows.
Now, their unique role in the planet’s ecology and hydrography will be formally recognized.
The world’s five oceans. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom DESIGNUA/Shutterstock)
I think one of the biggest impacts is through education, he said.
Students learn information about the ocean world through what oceans youre studying.
Officially recognizing the Southern Ocean acknowledges its importance to the planet.
National Geographichas officially recognized the Southern Ocean as the world’s fifth ocean.
Map of the Antarctic with the new sea protection area in the Ross Sea.
The world’s five oceans.
